Manchester City have officially appealed the independent commission's guilty verdict on all but one of the 115 charges levelled against them by the Premier League. The club maintains its innocence, despite strong statements from the Premier League and the Football Association.
Appeal lodged over 'sham contracts' ruling
The independent commission found that City had arranged 'sham contracts' and relied on 'sham agreements' to artificially inflate the club's revenues by £900million and reduce its costs. City were found guilty of all charges except one relating to non-cooperation with the Premier League investigation.
In a short statement released on Friday, the club said the ruling included 'clear material errors, of law, principle and fact and is unsafe.'
UAE investment warning and Pinto reports
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has waded into the case, with reports claiming a punishment for Manchester City could impact the UAE's interest in future major investments in the United Kingdom. The former Mayor of Manchester said he would be "really concerned" to lose City's investors, after working closely with them on development projects in Manchester.
In related developments, reports indicate that Rui Pinto has gone into hiding, while an appeal statement has been issued. The club continues to fight the charges levelled at them by the Premier League.
