Manchester City's appeal against the ruling that the club breached financial rules will be heard in December, with a verdict expected in 2027 and potential sanctions to follow if the appeal is unsuccessful

Manchester City's appeal against the ruling that the club breached financial regulations will be heard next month, with a judgement expected in the New Year followed by penalties if unsuccessful.

An independent commission found the club guilty of violating Premier League financial rules across a nine-season period, with the ruling condemning "sham" sponsorship deals. City have maintained their innocence following the verdict, while confirming their intention to appeal.

New information regarding the appeal has now emerged via The Financial Times, which reports it will take place in December and may span several days.

An independent commission will then decide City's fate, with a judgement anticipated in 2027. Should City's appeal fail, that is also when sanctions will be imposed upon them, reports the Mirror.

Nevertheless, the report notes that while Premier League regulations grant the commission authority to impose whatever sanctions it deems appropriate, there is no clarity on when they would take effect. They would also be open to appeals, suggesting there may be additional delays which could extend past the end of the current Premier League campaign.

Manchester City have remained resolute in their statements since confirmation that they had been found guilty on all but one of the charges brought against them. A club statement issued in response to the announcement back in September read: "The Premier League process remains ongoing, with significant elements to be completed, and subject to strict confidentiality. As such Manchester City FC's position remains consistent with the club's statement of February 2023.

"The club has diligently respected due process for eight years on the basis the Premier League board and executive would behave as an independent, impartial and fair minded regulator, free from partisan influence."