Manchester City's appeal against Premier League guilty verdict is dealt a blow by sponsor Etihad

From the Newshound archive · first published 3 October 2026.

The independent commission found City had arranged 'sham' sponsorship deals to artificially inflate revenues and cut costs by more than £900 million between 2009 and 2018. City lodged a formal appeal by Thursday's deadline, insisting the ruling contains 'clear material errors of law, principle and fact'.

The appeal faces an early setback after sponsor Etihad Airways — central to the original 'sham' deals findings — reportedly moved against City's position.

Former Premier League manager Gus Poyet says the verdict leaves a 'sour taste', asking why no authority spotted the alleged fraud for nearly a decade.