League: EPL Sport: Soccer Country: England Category: Transactions

Manchester City appeals Premier League ruling on sponsorship deals

BBC Football • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 1, 2026, 3:38 PM

Last updated Oct 1, 2026

Manchester City appeals Premier League ruling on sponsorship deals

Summary

Manchester City is set to appeal a Premier League commission's ruling that found the club guilty of breaching financial regulations between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons. The club argues that key sponsorship deals were financed by the Abu Dhabi government, not its owners, Abu Dhabi United Group. The independent commission dismissed this argument as a fabrication aimed at concealing financial misconduct, citing over £830 million in false revenue from sponsorship agreements. City has indicated it will file the appeal by Friday, maintaining its innocence. Meanwhile, Etihad Airways, the club's main sponsor, contemplates legal action against the Premier League following the ruling's implications.

Source Links

BBC Football

Key Details

•Independent commission found City guilty of 114 charges.
•City argues funding for sponsorships came from the Abu Dhabi government.
•Etihad Airways considers legal action in light of commission findings.
•City must submit its appeal by Friday.
•Premier League declined to comment on the ongoing situation.

Latest Updates

3:38 PMBBC Football — Man City to argue sponsorship deals came from Abu Dhabi government

What they're saying

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Manchester City's appeal against the Premier League's verdict hinges on the club's claim that its sponsorship deals came from the Abu Dhabi government.
— BBC Football

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