Manchester City faces hostile Anfield crowd after financial-rules verdict
Manchester City will play Liverpool at Anfield amid a backlash following an independent commission’s finding that the club broke financial regulations.
A commission determined that Manchester City engaged in sham transactions that artificially boosted income and reduced expenses by over £900 million during 2009-2018, a period that saw the club win three league titles. The Premier League leaders have lodged an appeal, but the season remains in limbo pending the outcome. Liverpool’s coach highlighted the unpredictability of the situation, and a podcast host suggested the club should be stripped of its titles.
The upcoming fixture at Anfield is set to be fiercely contested, with supporters likely to deliver a hostile reception. City, under manager Enzo Maresca, arrived at the match unbeaten in seven games across all competitions. The clash revives a rivalry intensified by past title battles and recent financial controversy.
Why it matters
The verdict could reshape English football’s competitive balance and affect City’s league standing.
How this story developed
- Sep 30 Pep Guardiola publicly backs Manchester City after club found guilty of 114 charges
- Sep 30 The Premier League confirmed that Manchester City committed 115 financial rule violations, and Andy Burnham expressed gratitude to the club's owners for their investment in the city.
- Oct 2 The club must lodge its appeal by Friday 2 October.
- Oct 2 An independent panel concluded that Manchester City breached Premier League financial regulations by inflating its commercial income through fabricated sponsorship deals.
- Oct 2 Manchester City announced its intention to appeal the commission's ruling.
- Oct 4 Downing Street issued a statement clarifying that no one is above the rules.
- Oct 8 Manchester City filed its appeal on October 1, 2026.
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