Premier League appeal deadline could change after Man City tear into 'unsafe' verdict

· Mirror

Manchester City have appealed a guilty verdict regarding breaches of the Premier League's financial rules, with officials now working to conclude the case

The Premier League, in theory, face a strict deadline following Manchester City's appeal against a guilty verdict on financial breaches, though the situation could yet change. City were incensed when an independent panel ruled that the club had made infractions between 2009 and 2018.

A damning statement further alleged that the Abu Dhabi United Group club had 'artificially inflated' revenue to the tune of £900million in order to comply with regulations, and accused them of "sham" sponsorship deals. City have since confirmed they have challenged the panel's findings, as they look to establish the innocence they have maintained throughout the entire saga.

A statement released on Friday morning read:

> "Manchester City Football Club can confirm that at 7pm on Thursday 1st October 2026 the Club lodged its comprehensive Appeal against the opinion of the Premier League Commission, in relation to the Premier League disciplinary matter.

> "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, 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.

The FA also issued a statement of their own on Friday, writing:

> "The Independent Commission's decision has significant implications for the integrity of the game. We are carefully considering the decision and its implications and will take action where appropriate.

> "As proceedings between the Premier League and Manchester City Football Club remain ongoing, we do not intend to comment further at this stage. We will, however, continue to monitor developments closely."

As a consequence of the appeal, the Premier League now theoretically has a limited window to deliver a final verdict. That's because the rules and regulations stipulate that any appeal hearing must occur within 12 weeks of a challenge being lodged.

A verdict is also required from the appeals board no more than 30 days after the hearing concludes. Taking everything into account, it means that the Premier League ought to deliver a final decision no later than January 23, 2027.

However, reports indicate that another section of the Premier League code outlines how the regulation can be set aside if necessary. It is also suggested that said rule was only drafted this summer.

If accurate, it means the Premier League could ultimately take as long as they deem necessary to scrutinise every aspect of the case in minute detail. That would once again leave football supporters and rival clubs enduring a prolonged wait to finally discover City's fate.

The club are, however, unable to take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), owing to a separate Premier League ruling. The English top flight's regulations stipulate that all disputes and appeals must be handled within England and Wales.

Given that CAS is headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, City will find themselves unable to call upon the governing body should they be unhappy with the league's conclusions.

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