Reports that an independent tribunal has reached decisions in Manchester City’s case involving 115 alleged Premier League breaches have raised the prospect of a lengthy appeals process.
If any of the breaches are proven, Manchester City are highly likely to appeal. Both parties would have 14 days from the judgment to challenge the decision.
How the Manchester City appeal process would work
Any appeal would be heard by a new three-person commission. A decision could be challenged on grounds including fraud, misconduct or gross unfairness by the arbitrator.
The Premier League rules provide for an Appeal Board to be appointed by Sir Gary Hickinbottom, chair of the independent judicial panel. It must contain three members, including a chair who has held judicial office.
Proceedings before the Appeal Board would be confidential and held in private. The board would have broad powers, including the ability to allow or dismiss an appeal, or vary the commission’s order.
Manchester City would not be able to take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. An appeal would mark the end of this part of the process.
The club’s determination to contest financial allegations was underlined in 2014, when chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak said: “I would rather spend £30m on the best 50 lawyers in the world and sue UEFA for the next 10 years than agree a financial penalty.”
What punishments could Manchester City face?
The independent commission has a range of sanctions available, including fines, points deductions and other sporting penalties.
The Premier League has no fixed sanctions for financial rule breaches. Clubs chose not to establish set punishments amid concerns that teams could breach the rules and simply accept a known penalty.
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said in February 2025 that the league was considering a sanctions grid setting out agreed penalties for different breaches.
Recent points deductions have varied considerably. Everton received a six-point deduction on appeal during the 2023/24 season and a further two points for breaches of the profit and sustainability rules, while Nottingham Forest were docked four points.
Luton Town were deducted 30 points during the 2008/09 season, including 10 points for illegal payments to agents and 20 for exiting administration without a Company Voluntary Arrangement. Derby County received a 21-point deduction in 2021/22 for entering administration and financial irregularities.
Any sanctions in Manchester City’s case would be considered at a separate hearing, meaning they would not be determined as part of the initial decision on the alleged breaches.
Could there be further legal action?
Although the Premier League appeal process would end with the Appeal Board’s decision, further legal cases could follow.
Other clubs could potentially take action against Manchester City over missed opportunities to win trophies or qualify for the Champions League.
