Man City confirm appeal as UAE 'threaten' to withdraw billions from UK and Emery claims 'many clubs' inflate budgets
The club says the verdict contains "clear material errors" and is "unsafe." The Telegraph reports the UAE has warned the UK government over the sanctions. Tuchel says he will keep picking City players even if they are in the Championship.
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Manchester City have formally confirmed they have appealed against the Premier League's verdict finding them guilty of 114 breaches of financial rules.
The club said: "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 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."
City are expected to argue that the Abu Dhabi government, rather than the club's owners, part-funded the "sham" sponsorship deals at the centre of the case.
Has the UAE threatened the UK?
The Telegraph reports that the UAE has warned Prime Minister Andy Burnham that it could withdraw billions of pounds of investment from the UK in "retaliation" after the guilty verdict. The funding was reportedly being sought to help establish a hi-tech hub in England.
A cross-party group of MPs has also urged HMRC to investigate the tax implications of the charges. Rival Premier League clubs are said to be readying legal action worth £800 million.
What has the FA said?
The FA issued its first public statement since the verdict, saying it will "take action where appropriate."
What are managers saying?
Aston Villa's Unai Emery became the first Premier League manager to comment publicly, making the bombshell claim that "many other clubs" have "inflated their budgets."
England boss Thomas Tuchel said the case has been a "hot topic" in the England camp because players are "young and ambitious" and worried about their futures. He confirmed he would keep selecting City players Marc Guehi and Elliot Anderson even if the club were in the Championship.
What happens next?
The appeal hearing should take place within 12 weeks, with a decision within a month of its conclusion. A sanctions hearing is expected to run alongside the appeal. Rival clubs want punishment imposed before the end of the season.
The Mirror's poll, now with more than 24,700 votes, shows opinion split between automatic relegation, points deduction and a huge fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What has Manchester City appealed against?
- The club has appealed the Premier League independent commission's verdict finding them guilty of 114 breaches of financial rules between 2009 and 2018.
- When will the appeal be heard?
- Premier League rules state an appeal hearing should occur within 12 weeks of submission, though the complexity of the case could extend this timeline.
- Can Manchester City take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport?
- No. Premier League regulations require all disputes to be settled in England and Wales, meaning the appeal decision will be final and cannot go to CAS.