FA weighs Manchester City verdict as club launches appeal

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THE Football Association said today it was “carefully considering” the implications of the findings into Manchester City.

An independent commission found City guilty on all charges related to breaching Premier League financial rules in a damning report released earlier this week.

A statement on thefa.com read: “The independent commission’s decision has significant implications for the integrity of the game.

“We are carefully considering the decision and its implications and will take action where appropriate.

“As proceedings between the Premier League and Manchester City Football Club remain ongoing, we do not intend to comment further at this stage. We will, however, continue to monitor developments closely.”

Manchester City confirmed today they had lodged their appeal.

A statement on mancity.com read: “Manchester City Football Club can confirm that, at 7pm on Thursday October 1 2026, the club lodged its comprehensive appeal against the opinion of the Premier League commission, in relation to the Premier League disciplinary matter.

“The club’s firm position is that, on multiple grounds, the opinion contains clear material errors, of law, principle and fact, and is unsafe.

“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.

“We will continue to respect due process and are necessarily restricted in what we can say further until all proceedings are complete.”

Elsewhere today, Thomas Tuchel said he would consider picking Manchester City players for England even if the club’s punishment for breaking the league’s financial rules sees them relegated from the top flight.

If their appeal fails they could be subject to significant sporting sanctions, including the prospect of no longer playing in the Premier League.

Tuchel, who did not want to discuss the case itself, suggested he would still select the likes of Marc Guehi, Elliot Anderson and Nico O’Reilly.

“There’s always a possibility,” he said ahead of Saturday’s Nations League clash with Croatia.

“I think I will always try to pick the best team for the camp, for the occasion, for the tournament, and I will never rule out that they don’t play in the top flight in their country.

“So you need to look at this case by case.”

The German admitted the topic was being discussed by his players but said they were ready to perform in Rijeka.

“I guess so. I mean, we had some time off and some time between the matches, and it’s a big subject,” he said. “But as you rightly say, everyone speaks about it.

“No-one needs my half-knowledge on the topic. Of course, the players talk about it. Of course, City players talk about it and we talk with them, but only briefly.

“They’re ready to go for tomorrow. That’s what they show on the pitch and that’s what they show in camp. But of course, it’s a big topic. It’s a big topic in camp.”

Tuchel was more comfortable talking about his side’s clash with Croatia, where England can consolidate their position of strength in Group A3.

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