City's 'Irrefutable Evidence' Revealed as Appeal Looms
Manchester City's plan to clear their name has been laid out in a new report, with the club set to confirm their appeal against the independent commission's verdict imminently.
According to Mike Keegan of the Daily Mail, City will argue that the sponsorship deals at the centre of the case were funded by the government of Abu Dhabi rather than the club's owners, Abu Dhabi United Group (ADUG). The independent commission had ruled that ADUG made the payments, labelling them 'sham' contracts that saw over £900 million illegally pumped into City's accounts.
City's evidence, which was rejected by the commission, included bank statements and witness accounts. The club have always maintained they possess a body of 'irrefutable evidence' that would ultimately clear their name.
Keegan also reports that City's legal team will question the length of time the panel took to deliver its verdict. He writes: 'High-powered lawyers acting on behalf of the club are also likely to question the amount of time it took the panel to deliver its verdict, pointing out that in such cases judgments should be delivered within three months (rather than 20) of a hearing concluding, so that judges can properly remember evidence when crafting their judgment. As a result of the time elapsed, they will say the decision is 'unsafe'.'
City will also point to the fact they provided no fewer than 24 witnesses at the hearing, while the Premier League failed to provide anyone who confirmed the existence of the alleged conspiracy.
The confirmation of City's bid to appeal is expected today, marking the next stage in a saga that has dominated the week.
For supporters, the whirlwind of the past few days has been difficult to process. But as one fan writer put it, hope is not yet lost. The appeal is seismic and there is still plenty to play out.
City's owners have given fans memories that will last a lifetime and heavily invested in Manchester, uplifting the area around the Etihad Stadium. As for the success between 2009 and 2018 – the period covered by the Premier League's case – time will reveal whether it was legitimate or built on weak foundations.
There is a team on the pitch to support, too. City face Liverpool at Anfield next Sunday in a match that will likely have a fierce atmosphere given the rivalry and the events of this week. Enzo Maresca's side will need to block out the noise.
From here, the focus for many will be on official updates only – no conjecture, no rumours, no speculation. The appeal will take time, with more twists and turns almost certain. But the support for the club remains unconditional.