An independent tribunal has reportedly made determinations in the case involving Manchester City's 115 charges related to Premier League rules. Should any breaches be established, the club is expected to appeal, as both parties have 14 days from the judgment to initiate an appeal.
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Upon appeal, a new three-person commission will assess the case. Appeals can be made based on grounds such as fraud, misconduct, or gross unfairness by the arbitrator, but City cannot take their case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). In 2014, City chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak expressed a preference for a lengthy legal battle with UEFA over a financial penalty regarding Financial Fair Play violations, stating he would rather invest £30 million in legal expertise than accept fines.
The appeals process is governed by Section W of the Premier League Rules, allowing parties to contest the independent commission's decisions. The Appeal Board, appointed by Sir Gary Hickinbottom, must include three members, one of whom must have judicial experience. Hearings conducted by the Appeal Board are private, and it possesses broad discretion to allow, dismiss, or modify the original commission's orders.
Potential sanctions for City could range from fines to points deductions and other consequences, although the Premier League has no fixed penalties for financial violations. In February 2025, Richard Masters noted that the league was considering a Sanctions Grid to establish consistent penalties for various rule breaches.
Recent examples of sanctions include Everton's six-point deduction during the 2023/24 season for profit and sustainability rule infringements and Nottingham Forest's four-point penalty. Historically, Luton Town faced a 30-point deduction in the 2008/09 season for illegal payments to agents, while Derby County was penalized 21 points in the 2021/22 season due to financial irregularities and administration issues.
If sanctions are to be imposed, a separate hearing will take place to address them. Notably, the appeal process would conclude this phase of the case, leaving no option for recourse to CAS. It is anticipated that further legal disputes may arise, especially involving clubs that might claim damages from City for lost opportunities in trophies and Champions League qualification.