Manchester City confirmed they have lodged an appeal on Friday (night AEST) against the Premier League’s disciplinary matter regarding a financial breach of the league’s rules.
“The club’s firm position is that, on multiple grounds, the opinion contains clear material errors, of law, principle and fact and is unsafe,” the team wrote in a statement issued on Friday.
Manchester City have appealed the Premier League’s findings. AP
“The club is innocent of the accusations made by the Premier League and a comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence exists in support of all of its positions, relating to this case.
“We will continue to respect due process and are necessarily restricted in what we can say further until all proceedings are complete.”
Manchester City filed the appeal against an independent commission ruling that found the club guilty of serious breaches of the league’s financial regulations, the league admitting that City used “sham” commercial contracts to inflate revenue.
“The club lodged the appeal to the Chair of the Judicial Panel,” a Premier League statement confirming the appeal stated.
“The independent appeal board hearing will remain private and confidential until publication of the outcome is permitted.”
Manchester City were found guilty on 114 charges out of 115 relating to those breaches.
The investigation by the independent regulatory commission lasted more than three years and found the club had understated costs by more than $1.7 billion AUD for nearly a decade.
City now seeks to overturn the verdict to avoid severe sanctions.
Under Premier League rules, an appeal hearing should be held within 12 weeks of an appeal being lodged, with a decision due within 30 days of the hearing concluding.