Manchester City are awaiting the outcome of their appeal against the Premier League's financial charges, following a guilty verdict on 114 alleged breaches of financial rules. The Premier League confirmed the verdict last week, with an independent panel finding the club guilty.
The findings stated that City had used 'sham' sponsorship deals to artificially inflate their revenue by almost £900million between 2009 and 2018. The club strongly denies the charges and has lodged an appeal against the verdict.
Possible sanctions and manager's reaction
Much of the discussion has centred on the potential consequences should City's appeal prove unsuccessful. Possible sanctions could range from a substantial fine to significant points deductions or, in the most severe scenario, expulsion from the Premier League.
Manager Enzo Maresca spoke for the first time since the verdict on Thursday and insisted he trusts the City hierarchy 'completely.'
"Personally, I'm very calm to be honest," Maresca told City's website. "The club has been quite clear. We trust completely the club."
"We understand the noise but the focus for us is just what we can control and we can control just the football side. The players are excited for the next two games."
League reaction and upcoming fixture
Fellow Premier League managers have also been quizzed on Manchester City's guilty verdict during their press conferences, with their reactions adding to the ongoing debate surrounding the case.
City return to Premier League action on Sunday, travelling to Anfield to face Liverpool in a crucial league clash.
