Manchester City's deadline to appeal against the Premier League's guilty verdict on 114 financial charges falls today, with the club expected to lodge an appeal before the end of the day. The club has maintained its innocence since the Premier League announced the verdict earlier this week.
Appeal and legal pressure
City have until the end of today to launch an appeal, and the club is expected to do so before the deadline. Meanwhile, top-flight rivals are reportedly preparing legal action against the club to the tune of £800 million.
A cross-party group of MPs has urged HM Revenue and Customs to investigate the tax implications of the Premier League's charges. The Treasury Committee, which oversees HMRC's policies and administration, has asked whether the government department has requested the redacted documents contained within the commission's report.
Sponsor and ownership concerns
Etihad, City's main shirt sponsor, has issued a statement saying it is "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 does not 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 the breaches.
Punishment and next steps
It remains to be seen what punishment is given to City, with reports claiming that chiefs at other football clubs want a sanction imposed before the end of the season. The club's response and the unfolding legal and political fallout continue to develop.
