Manchester City optimistic appeal will overturn Premier League financial ruling

Manchester City believe they will avoid punishment for repeatedly breaching the English Premier League’s financial regulations, according to The Telegraph.

The club is understood to be confident about its appeal against a finding of guilt by the Premier League’s Independent Commission. City’s case is based on current bank statements, government records and receipts which it says show that Abu Dhabi authorities provided the money used to fund the relevant deals.

A central part of City’s argument is that the commission disregarded almost all the evidence indicating that sponsorship payments came from the Abu Dhabi authorities, who are shareholders in the sponsoring companies. The club maintains that the funds therefore did not come from its owner and should instead be treated as legitimate commercial income.

City will also argue that the Premier League relied almost entirely on leaked emails when presenting its case. The club says the league did not produce a single direct witness to the alleged breaches.

Manchester City submitted its appeal against the commission’s decision two weeks ago. The date of the final ruling, and any punishment the club may receive, remain unknown.