MANCHESTER — Manchester City’s appeal against a verdict on 114 Premier League financial charges has reportedly suffered another setback after evidence previously submitted to UEFA emerged as potentially damaging to the club’s defence.
An independent commission found City guilty of 114 of 115 charges relating to alleged financial breaches between 2009 and 2018. The Premier League had alleged that sponsorship arrangements were used to inflate the club’s revenues by about £900 million.
City continue to deny wrongdoing and have maintained that evidence will ultimately support their appeal.
UEFA Evidence Under Scrutiny
According to reports cited by The Times, Manchester City told UEFA more than six years ago that two payments of £15 million each, made in 2012 and 2013, were arranged by Jaber Mohamed, then general director of the United Arab Emirates Crown Prince Court.
However, City reportedly told UEFA that “the payment was caused to be made by ADUG”, referring to Abu Dhabi United Group, rather than presenting the payments as being made directly by the UAE government.
The distinction could become significant because City’s reported appeal position is that sponsorship payments at the centre of the Premier League case were legitimate transactions backed by Abu Dhabi government entities rather than by the club’s owners.
The Premier League permits sponsorship from state-owned organisations, meaning the source and nature of the disputed payments could be central to the appeal.
Etihad Statement Adds Pressure
The latest report follows scrutiny of evidence previously provided by Etihad Airways, one of Manchester City’s major sponsors.
In 2015, during a US government investigation involving state-owned airlines, Etihad reportedly rejected claims that the Abu Dhabi government subsidised its sponsorship arrangements.
The airline said it was government-owned but maintained that it did not receive subsidies from the Abu Dhabi government. It said its financing came through shareholder equity and commercial loans.
That position could create difficulties for any argument that government funding directly supported disputed sponsorship payments.
City Continue To Challenge Verdict
Manchester City have maintained their innocence throughout the Premier League case and have indicated that they will challenge the findings.
The club’s appeal will be considered by an independent three-person panel, with a decision reportedly expected before the end of the year.
The significance of the newly reported evidence will depend on how the appeal panel assesses the relationship between the payments, the sponsors involved, ADUG and the Abu Dhabi government.
Reports about the evidence do not themselves amount to a new finding against Manchester City. The appeal process will determine whether the material affects the commission’s original conclusions.
Expulsion Could Follow Failed Appeal
Manchester City face potentially severe consequences if the guilty verdict ultimately stands.
Possible sanctions include a points deduction, financial penalties and other sporting punishments. Premier League clubs have also reportedly agreed that expulsion from the competition could be considered in serious circumstances.
However, removing a club from the Premier League would require the support of at least 15 other clubs.
Sky Sports has reported that Premier League clubs do not expect City to remain in the top flight next season if the appeal fails, while some clubs reportedly believe a points deduction alone could be insufficient.
Sanctions Still To Be Determined
The same three-person commission that delivered the guilty verdict will determine the eventual sanctions after considering recommendations from the Premier League and Manchester City’s response.
For now, the club’s appeal remains the key stage in the process.
The newly reported UEFA evidence and Etihad’s earlier statements could become important as City seeks to challenge the findings surrounding the disputed sponsorship arrangements.
