The Man City appeal will claim that sponsor money came from the Abu Dhabi government, not owner Sheikh Mansour, according to BBC Sport and the Press Association. It is City’s expected argument, the appeal is not confirmed as filed, and the deadline is Friday.
The claim behind the Man City appeal
City will say the funding came through the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court to help sponsors meet liabilities to the club, according to the PA. However, the commission already called that explanation “untrue”.
Etihad weighs legal action
As the Man City appeal looms, City’s principal sponsor Etihad Airways is considering legal action against the Premier League. In addition, it says the published findings carry “damaging implications” even though they do not name the airline. In addition, Etihad says it “categorically rejects” any suggestion of improper commercial arrangements. Also, BBC Sport notes that Etihad is owned by the sovereign wealth fund L’Imad, which the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi chairs. Furthermore, the Premier League declined to comment to BBC Sport.
Background to the Man City appeal
The commission found City guilty on 114 of 115 charges for 2009-10 to 2017-18. Besides, it alleged an £830.69m “disguised funding scheme”. The case has dominated sport headlines for almost a week, since unconfirmed reports first emerged last Friday. Premier League rules allow state-owned bodies to sponsor clubs. City deny guilt and say the decision is “unsafe”. Chief executive Ferran Soriano says the case against the club “is based on a single false accusation”.
What comes next
City signalled an intent to appeal by Friday. Therefore, Spurs fans will watch the fallout from the Man City appeal for the wider league. We will update this story when City confirm the Man City appeal filing. Our earlier report covers the executives and commercial costs in the City case.
More on the Man City appeal: Man City News on the Man City appeal and MUFC News on the Man City appeal.
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