Man City: Sports Lawyer Says Winning Appeal is an ‘Uphill Battle’

· GiveMeSport

Manchester City are adamant that they are innocent despite being found guilty of breaking Premier League financial rules.

A sports lawyer has had his say on whether Manchester City could win their appeal after being found guilty of breaking Premier League financial rules and regulations.

Last month, following weeks of uncertainty, it was confirmed that City had been found guilty on charges relating to financial breaches between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons.

However, despite being found guilty, City have continued to maintain their innocence, claiming that they have ‘irrefutable evidence’ that will allow them to overturn the ruling.

With an appeal now ongoing, the entire football world is waiting to see if any potential punishments are handed to the eight-time Premier League champions.

Speaking to BBC Sport recently, lawyer James Severn has stated that City face ‘substantial hurdles’ for a successful appeal .

Severn has outlined what City ‘will need’ in order to win their appeal and overturn the verdict, claiming that they face an ‘uphill struggle’.

He explained:

> “City will need to identify a material error of law, principle or fact, or serious procedural unfairness, which materially affected the Commission’s decision.

> “The Appeal Board nevertheless has broad powers to allow or dismiss the appeal, vary the decision or make any other order it considers appropriate.

> “The bank statements, government records and contemporaneous payment documents could be powerful evidence if they establish a clear audit trail showing the disputed funds came from the Abu Dhabi government rather than the owners.

> “However, if that evidence was already before the Commission, which nevertheless concluded that the arrangements were a sham, City will face an uphill struggle to demonstrate the finding was materially wrong.”

Despite having the case hanging over them, Enzo Maresca’s men have been doing the business on the pitch, winning seven matches in the Premier League so far.

Speaking in recent weeks, City boss Maresca revealed that club bosses are ‘convinced’ they will win their appeal.

Maresca said:

> “I know the organisation from years ago. I know how serious they are. I know they do the right things.

> “I didn't think that was a problem for the club at that time. Also, because they are thinking in an honest way. I think they are convinced that in the end we will win the appeal.

> “The reason why I joined this club is I completely trust 100 per cent, the owner, the sporting director, the CEO - all the organisation. I have no doubt about that. I spoke with the club for sure. Probably the right moment to speak about that is when we're going to win this appeal.””

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