Man City charges LIVE: Andy Burnham's new statement and 'evidence' to appeal guilty verdict

Man City charges LIVE: Andy Burnham's new statement and 'evidence' to appeal guilty verdict The latest news on Manchester City after the club were found guilty of 114 breaches of Premier League financial rules, as the deadline to appeal the decision moves ever closer Hello and welcome to Mirror Football's Manchester City charges live blog for Thursday, October 1. The Premier League announced earlier this week that City had been found guilty of 114 charges brought against them for financial breaches. City responded by maintaining their innocence and have until Friday to launch an appeal, with the club expected to do so before the deadline. It now remains to be seen what punishment is given to City, with reports claiming that chiefs at other football clubs want a sanction to be imposed before the end of the season. Etihad, the main shirt sponsor for City, meanwhile, have also issued a statement in response saying they are "deeply concerned" by the Premier League's announcement. There are also concerns that City's Abu Dhabi owners could be stripped from the club, something Prime Minister Andy Burnham doesn't want to happen. City are now set to argue that the government of Abu Dhabi - not the club's owners - part-funded the "sham" sponsorship deals that contributed to them breaching Premier League financial rules. Stay tuned for the latest news and updates in our live blog below as the saga continues to unfold... Key Events How Man City players could terminate contract after breaches Stick to Football was released today with Paul Gilroy KC featuring on the show. Here's what he had to say. Every contract of employment, whether it's a footballer or someone who works in a shop, has got an implied term in it. In other words, it's not written down. And the implied term we're talking about here is the term of trust and confidence. So if I work for you, you and I must have sufficient trust and confidence in each other to enable that relationship to work .If you don't trust me, or I don't trust you, or if you call me a liar and a thief on Tuesday, I can't work for you on a Wednesday - trust and confidence. Now, a player could say 'You have breached the implied term of trust and confidence. You are my employer, you have acted in breach of that term, and that entitles me to say I'm ripping up my contract and I'm walking out. 'That is a possibility, I've seen commentators saying unlikely, but it depends on so many things. What's the club going to say to the players? How do they sort it out financially? Etc, etc. But arguably, it's certainly a possibility.” Treasury Committee writes to HMRC The Treasury Committee has writtten to HMRC asking about any tax impications of the Premier League' investigation over payments. They have asked the committee to confirm that HMRC are aware of the findings pending appeal. An overview of HMRC work around football clubs has also been asked for with the letter reply from them expected to be put in the public domain by Thursday, October 15. No10 spokesperson: 'If wrongdoing is established, those responsible should face the appropriate consequences' Downing Street have issued a statement in an attempt to clarify Andy Burnham's comments on Manchester City's charges. A spokesperson said: “As the Prime Minister made clear, the initial judgement is serious and there can’t be any suggestion that anyone is above the rules. He also stressed that it is an ongoing independent process. It is essential that it is allowed to run its course and the outcome respected. “If wrongdoing is established, those responsible should face the appropriate consequences.“ 'Relegation is a minimum' The Times columnist Matthew Syed has praised the Premier League and called for Manchester City to be relegated as a minimum. He said: "I do commend the Premier League for pursuing this. It's taken longer than it should've done, it took a certain degree of courage. "It's in the long term interests of the sport, the punishment, if Man City aren't clear by the process, has to be severe otherwise what's the point? I think relegation as a minimum." Premier League clubs fear that case could drag Premier League League clubs fear Manchester City’s case will run into next season. City are certain to appeal before Friday’s deadline and are adamant they will launch a massive legal fight to clear the club’s name after being found guilty of breaching Premier League spending rules. That sets up another long drawn out chapter in the City saga which has been running since 2018 when the allegations were first published and the Premier League first lodged the 115 charges in February 2023. The Premier League have said they will deal with the appeal as soon as possible but there is no actual set time frame when it will be completed. That has led to major fears it could drag on and with City still playing for the title and that would be a nightmare scenario if they were to be crowned champions having already been found guilty. City are adamant they will fight and members of the hierarchy - including chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak and Ferran Soriano - have said publicly they will fight it all the way in what has become an increasingly bitter battle. City are also facing the prospect of other clubs seeking damages against them which could run into hundreds of millions and that will also drag on. Solbakken on Man City charges Norway head coach Stale Solbakken provided a short and sharp answer in response to a question asked about Manchester City's 115 charges. Man City defence update A fresh update has emerged on how Manchester City plan to defend themselves after being found guilty of financial breaches. City are expected to launch an appeal before the deadline on Friday, with the Premier League announcing this week that a guilty verdict had been reached by an independent commission. One of the reasons in the Premier League's announcement behind the guilty verdict for City was 'sham' contracts being arranged with commercial partners. The Mail Online have reported that City plan to say that the Abu Dhabi government part-funded the aforementioned 'sham' contracts. It has been claimed that City are arguing that it was the government instead of the club's owners that funded the sponsorship deals. Man City punishment update Executives from two top clubs have reportedly admitted that they would be 'staggered' if 15 clubs wanted to expel Manchester City from the Premier League,reports Kieran King. City, however, have denied any wrongdoing and intend to appeal by the end of this week. Although City have been found guilty, the punishment is yet to be decided. Some have called for City to be relegated from the top-flight this season, while others feel an even harsher sporting punishment should be handed out to the eight-time Prem winners. Alongside that, more points deductions, transfer bans and heavy fines have been suggested as other potential sanctions. According to Sky Sports, two senior executives at different top-level Premier League clubs have said that they would be "staggered" and "amazed" if 15 clubs were prepared to vote to kick out Manchester City from the league, with such a move described as a potential "self-inflicted commercial disaster". Infantino criticised by Football Leaks founder Rui Pinto, the founder of Football Leaks, has called out FIFA President Gianni Infantino following the guilty verdict that has been handed to Manchester City. City maintain their innocence and have until tomorrow to lodge an appeal against the verdict of being found guilty of 114 out of 115 charges. In a post on social media, Pinto has stated that he believes Infantino “should have no place in the future of the game”. Pinto wrote on Wednesday: Back in 2014, there was a man who was already aware of the irregularities involving Manchester City. That man now runs FIFA.The infamous Gianni Infantino, then UEFA General Secretary, abused his authority, shared confidential documents and, in short, outmanoeuvred the Investigatory Chamber, doing everything in his power to ensure that both Manchester City and PSG would merely receive a fine, avoiding a deeper investigation that could have led to a Champions League ban.All of these details were also revealed through Football Leaks.Given his actions as UEFA General Secretary and, more recently, as FIFA President, I can only say, in my humble opinion, that Gianni Infantino has become a cancer on football and should have no place in the future of the game. Sheikh Mansour faces being STRIPPED of Man City Manchester City are facing the very real prospect of the owners being stripped from the club, reports John Cross. The Independent Football Regulator has confirmed it has the power to investigate the “suitability” of owners, directors and executives of clubs. That will raise serious question marks for City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak and the Abu Dhabi group after being found guilty of breaching Premier League spending rules. They were accused of making “sham” contracts, were accused of inflating £900million worth of deals and “widespread” deception. Abu Dhabi have bankrolled the club to glory since taking ownership. Now the very heart of City is at serious risk. The IFR has the powers to step in and strip ownership of clubs. Lawyer makes Man City contract claim UK barrister Paul Gilroy has explained how Manchester City players could be entitled to terminate their contracts following the guilty verdict that has been given. Gilroy appeared on the latest episode of Stick to Football and was asked by Ian Wright how the ongoing case could affect the players in the City squad. Wright asked: Just talking about the individual players who don't know what's going on [in the boardroom], does he have a case? Gilroy then responded by explaining: Definitely, yes, good question, that, on the players' perspective. Every contract of employment, whether it's a footballer or someone who works in a shop, has got an implied term in it. In other words, it's not written down. And the implied term we're talking about here is the term of trust and confidence.So if I work for you, you and I must have sufficient trust and confidence in each other to enable that relationship to work.If you don't trust me, or I don't trust you, or if you call me a liar and a thief on Tuesday, I can't work for you on a Wednesday - trust and confidence.Now, a player could say 'You have breached the implied term of trust and confidence. You are my employer, you have acted in breach of that term, and that entitles me to say I'm ripping up my contract and I'm walking out.'That is a possibility, I've seen commentators saying unlikely, but it depends on so many things. What's the club going to say to the players? How do they sort it out financially? Etc, etc. But arguably, it's certainly a possibility.” Bellamy dodges Man City question Ex-Manchester City star Craig Bellamy is sure that Erling Haaland will not be distracted by the club’s ongoing legal battle. City have been found guilty by the Premier League, although they maintain their innocence, reports Daniel Orme. A punishment has not been forthcoming, although relegation, a points deduction and a huge fine have all been mentioned. Wales boss, Bellamy, who was at the Etihad between 2009 and 2011 remained tight-lipped when asked about the situation on Wednesday. Gary Neville verdict Gary Neville has called for the Premier League to remove Manchester City's owners as a result of being found guilty of financial breaches, reports Aaron Morris. Fans, pundits and Premier League clubs now await the punishment City will be handed for their infractions, though the club are expected to appeal the independent panel's decision. They have until Friday, October 2, to do so. While there have been suggestions that City could be stripped of their titles won between 2009 and 2018 - the nine-year period when the alleged infractions are claimed to have taken place - others have called for the club to be expelled from the Premier League. However, Manchester United legend Neville believes that the best course of action is to bar City's current ownership from competing in the Premier League. Liam Gallagher responds to Richard Keys Liam Gallagher has given an X-rated response to Richard Keys, who called out the Oasis star about Man City being found guilty of financial breaches. Keys appeared on the ‘Keys & Gray Unleashed’ podcast alongside Andy Gray, and called out Gallagher as one of the high-profile people who has ‘abused’ him for talking about the charges levelled at City. Keys said: Liam Gallagher, being one of those, who has referred to me consistently as a ‘spunk bubble’. Well, who’s the spunk bubble now, Liam? In response, Gallagher took to X to post a reply to a clip from the podcast featuring Keys’ remarks about the famous City fan. Gallagher wrote: He's a hairy little goblin s*** c*** Jurgen Klopp verdict Ex-Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says he is not preparing to celebrate any titles in the aftermath of Manchester City’s guilty verdict. Speaking in a Germany press conference, he said: Of course I've heard about that, but I haven't given it much thought. I can only wait and see. I have big respect for Pep Guardiola and City's style of football; they played fantastic football and were a top class opponent for us.If any sanctions are handed out, I have nothing to do with it; I'll wait and see. I'm far from preparing for a title or anything like that. I'm absolutely fine with what we've achieved in Liverpool. We fought hard on the pitch. I can't say more about that because I don't know the details and I'm not interested in them. Harry Kane verdict Harry Kane says that full concentration in the England squad is on their next Nations League game after the guilty verdict against Manchester City, reports Amie Wilson. Three City players, Marc Guehi, Nico O’Reilly and Elliot Anderson are part of the England squad for the current international break. Both Guehi and Anderson started Tuesday’s 2-0 win over Czechia, with O’Reilly missing the game through injury. Speaking after England’s win over Czechia, Kane, who scored the second goal of the game, revealed that there hadn’t been talk of the verdict in the England dressing room. Rival view on Man City punishment Other Premier League clubs are reportedly looking for a punishment against Man City that would see them absent from the top flight for a prolonged amount of time. The Guardian have reported that clubs in the top flight believe that a points deduction resulting in City being relegated would not be a sufficient punishment. City have been found guilty of 114 of the 115 charges for financial breaches that were brought against them by the Premier League, and are still stating their innocence. The deal for City to appeal the verdict is tomorrow. Ex-Fluminense star speaks out Former Fluminense star Felipe Melo has jokingly stated that he wants the 2023 Club World Cup to be awarded to his old club after Man City were found guilty of financial breaches. City beat Fluminense to win the trophy nearly three years ago, with Melo part of the team that lost 4-0 in Jeddah in December 2023. As reported by Ole, he's quoted as having said: Manchester City ought to lose everything. Give me my Club World Cup! I'll drive around Rio - down Copacabana, through Barra da Tijuca - with the trophy.World champions! Strip them of the lot. City chairman 'granted immunity' Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak's diplomatic status could reportedly provide complications amid the ongoing case against the club. The Financial Times has reported that the City chief was granted diplomatic immunity six years ago, which could complicate the process following the guilty verdict that was announced this week. The report claims that Mubarak was placed on the UK's official diplomat list back in 2020, which grants immunity from criminal investigations, as well as, in most cases, civil proceedings. Even though there has been no suggestion of any wrongdoing by Mubarak, it has been reported that any legal action which may be taken against City in the future may be "complicated" by the chief's diplomatic immunity. City still maintain their innocence and have until Friday to launch an appeal. Premier League explanation A reminder, the Premier League listed four areas explaining why Man City had been found guilty of 114 of the 115 charges brought against the club. The Premier League said as part of their statement: Manchester City arranged 'sham' contracts (which misrepresented the true agreement between the parties) with a number of its commercial partners, as well as relying on ‘sham’ agreements with others, to artificially inflate the club’s revenues and reduce its costs.The club filed misstated accounts and concealed the true state of its finances from its auditors and football regulators.Manchester City was significantly in breach of both the Premier League’s and UEFA’s spending limits."During the Premier League’s investigation, Manchester City committed multiple breaches of its duties of co-operation and utmost good faith towards the League (three of the four alleged breaches were upheld). Man City statement Here's the Man City statement in full that was released on Tuesday following the Premier League's announcement: Manchester City FC is both disappointed and surprised by the opinion of the Premier League Commission, that has been published today.The Club is innocent of the accusations made by the Premier League and a comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence exists in support of all of its positions, relating to this case. The Club will therefore be relentless, and where necessary proactive, in any and all appropriate regulatory and legal forums. The Premier League process remains ongoing, with significant elements uncompleted. Manchester City FC will now pursue the appeal avenues open to it, on the basis that the opinion contains clear material errors, of law, principle and fact, and is unsafe. The Club has diligently respected due process for eight years on the basis that the Premier League Board and Executive would behave as an independent, impartial and fair-minded regulator, free from partisan influence. The Club is obviously restricted in what it can say further until all future proceedings are complete. Man City punishments update Manchester City should be given their punishment for financial breaches this season, it has been reported. BBC Sport claim that some officials at other football clubs believe that City should be punished before the end of the campaign in the aftermath of the guilty verdict. City have been found guilty of 114 of the 115 charges brought against them, with the club maintaining their innocence throughout the process and are expected to appeal before Friday’s deadline. Ruben Dias responds Man City defender Ruben Dias gave a blunt response when asked about the guilty verdict that has been given against the club. Dias is currently with the Portugal squad for the Nations League and could go up against Denmark this evening, and was asked about the charges that have been brought against City. However, the defender gave a blunt response, saying: I understand the question, but I’m not going to comment on anything that isn’t related to the national team. Man City evidence claim Football finance expert Stefan Borson has explained why “false hope” should not be given to Man City supporters amid the charges that have been brought against the club. City are expected to appeal the guilty verdict on the 114 charges, and say they have “irrefutable evidence” that proves their innocence. Borson told talkSPORT: We know there was a 12-week hearing where they told us that they were presenting all of their evidence.Frankly, it’s clearly obvious in the initial hearing you would put your best foot forward because your opportunity to overturn the initial hearing is always severely limited.In fact, under the Premier League rules, they are not permitted to raise new evidence without permission of the Premier League or of the panel that sits. So it would be an incredibly risky thing to do.So I don’t think we should be giving City fans in particular false hope in terms of what’s coming.City clearly believe they’ve done nothing wrong. We accept that, but this is the independent commission panel coming with a very, very detailed set of reasons after a 12-week hearing.We should not be silly about what they’ve done, City did put forward an incredibly expensive and high quality case and we can’t just dismiss what’s there in writing in front of us. Etihad statement Man City’s main shirt sponsor, Etihad Airways, have issued a statement saying they are “deeply concerned” following the announcement from the Premier League. The statement read: Etihad Airways has reviewed the Premier League commission’s published opinion relating to the disciplinary proceedings involving Manchester City, together with the Premier League’s public communication of its findings.Etihad categorically rejects any finding, conclusion or implication that suggests the airline has ever been involved in improper commercial arrangements.The Premier League’s public communication of the commission’s findings, following a period of selective leaks and reporting, has further created damaging implications for Etihad despite the airline not being named in the redacted published findings.At no time did the Premier League reach out to or engage with Etihad in the process associated with the commission’s opinion. Etihad was therefore never given the opportunity by the Premier League to be represented, to provide relevant information, or to ensure the accuracy and fairness of information relied upon in reaching conclusions that may now be interpreted as reflecting adversely on the airline.Etihad is deeply concerned by the way this matter has been communicated publicly. The lack of clarity and transparency, together with the selective disclosure of information, has created damaging implications for Etihad despite the airline not being named in the published decision. The Premier League must take responsibility for the consequences of the way in which these findings have been presented.Etihad is immensely proud of its longstanding relationship with Manchester City. The Etihad name has been proudly carried by the club and its stadium for many years, as part of a partnership that has connected us with millions of supporters around the world. Our commitment to Manchester City, its supporters and our shared partnership remains strong.We stand with the club, its supporters and our wider Etihad community as Manchester City challenges the commission’s conclusions through the processes available to it. Etihad will seek the relevant legal counsel on the options and recourse available to protect its interests. Prime Minister's message Prime Minister Andy Burnham has stated that he would be “really concerned” about the prospect of Man City’s owners leaving the club in the aftermath of the charges that have been brought against City. The Prime Minister told BBC News: Well, I would be really concerned to lose them. They’ve been such a huge partner in the building of modern Manchester. Obviously, the building of Manchester City into the global force that it is.I can’t intervene more in the process. It would be wrong for me to do that. It would be wrong, I think, to jump to a conclusion before having really studied all of the detail, but obviously it’s ongoing, and because it’s still contested by Manchester City, then I think it’s right that I don’t say much more. Welcome Greetings and welcome to Mirror Football’s LIVE coverage of the latest on the charges that have been brought against Manchester City. The Premier League confirmed City had been found guilty by an independent commission earlier this week, with City still maintaining their innocence. We’ll have all of the latest updates right here, so stay tuned!