The independent commission’s decision, announced by the Premier League on September 29, 2026, established that City systematically circumvented spending rules over a nine-year period. According to NBC Sports, the findings revealed that the club utilized ‘sham’ contracts and agreements to inflate commercial revenues by more than $1.2 billion, allowing them to outspend rivals under Premier League and UEFA limits. Following the verdict, Manchester City formally lodged an appeal on October 1, 2026, maintaining that the ruling contains clear material errors of law and fact.
Rival Managers Call for Certainty Amid Ongoing Legal Battles
Speaking to The Guardian, managers across the English top flight expressed frustration with the lingering ambiguity surrounding the case. Manchester United manager Michael Carrick revealed that the ongoing saga has affected him personally, recalling the 2011-12 title race where United lost the championship to City on goal difference on the final day. Carrick argued that retrospective medals cannot replace the emotional moments stolen by financial rule breaches, adding that a swift resolution is essential for everyone involved in the game.
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola echoed similar sentiments regarding the atmosphere surrounding the league. Iraola noted that uncertainty is detrimental to everyone involved, though he stressed that players remain focused entirely on their immediate on-pitch challenges rather than off-field legal developments.
Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi adopted a pragmatic stance, drawing on his experience as a player during Juventus’s 2006-07 match-fixing scandal. De Zerbi stated that coaches and players must concentrate exclusively on match preparation and their current league standings rather than external investigations, noting that his immediate priority is lifting Tottenham from the bottom of the table.
Former Figures Defend On-Pitch Legacy As Process Continues
While rivals call for closure, figures closely tied to City’s historic success have defended the club’s accomplishments. Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany, who captained Manchester City during 11 years of domestic dominance under their Abu Dhabi-based owners, insisted he remains deeply proud of the trophies won on the pitch. Kompany maintained that players were detached from administrative operations and stated his current focus remains solely on his managerial duties in Germany.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who served as an assistant under Pep Guardiola before taking charge at the Emirates Stadium, urged patience while the appeals process unfolds. Arteta emphasized the importance of respecting due process and declined to speculate on the long-term reputational damage to the Premier League until all legal avenues are exhausted.
Next Steps in the Disciplinary Process
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters asserted that the initial decision successfully vindicates the league’s determination to uphold competition integrity. However, the definitive consequences remain unresolved. With Manchester City’s appeal now underway, the independent commission must determine appropriate sanctions should the verdict be upheld, leaving clubs, players, and supporters waiting for a final legal settlement.
Reporting source: theguardian.com.