City’s appeal looms as Maresca prepares squad for Liverpool clash

Manchester City players will return from the international break to confront a guilty verdict handed down by an independent commission, while they ready themselves for a Premier League clash with Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

The commission found the eight‑time Premier League champions guilty on 114 of 115 charges covering the period from 2009 to 2018. City have consistently denied any wrongdoing and lodged an appeal on Thursday, October 1.

The club, often referred to as MAN CITY, will monitor the situation closely as the process continues and potential sanctions remain unknown. The Head of Football at Manchester City will be under pressure to manage the squad’s mindset amid the uncertainty.

Appeal timetable and possible outcomes

Under Premier League rules, the appeal must be concluded within 12 weeks, with the independent panel given 30 days to reach a decision. This timeline could push a final ruling into early 2027, and City may argue that the case began before the regulations were updated, casting doubt on the schedule.

If the verdict is upheld, the club could face severe penalties, including possible expulsion from the Premier League – a measure that would require a vote from 15 clubs – as well as transfer bans, points deductions and substantial fines.

On‑field stakes and player concerns

New manager Enzo Maresca guided his side to the top of the table with five wins from five matches before the break, but the upcoming encounter with Liverpool will test whether the team can retain first place.

Psychologist Dr George Sik warned that the drawn‑out nature of the case could have a long‑term impact on the squad. “Not only is this an unprecedented set of offences, but the fact that they are unlikely to be settled quickly is likely to have a very negative effect on the players – with rumours of Haaland wanting to leave immediately being a case in point,” he said. “If a traumatic event is at least sudden and over with quickly, the psychological process of adjustment and coping can begin – but this is likely to be so drawn out that it’ll be immeasurably worse.”

Speculation has linked star striker Erling Haaland with a possible exit, and he became a late injury doubt after being substituted for Norway due to fatigue on Sunday. Nico O’Reilly and Antonio Semenyo withdrew from international duty through injury, while Phil Foden remains suspended for the Anfield trip.

Liverpool sit sixth in the Premier League, having won two of their five league games and remaining unbeaten, setting up a tense showdown that could decide the early‑season hierarchy.