Former Manchester City captain Kyle Walker believes that the club's achievements during the period relating to Premier League financial rule breaches remain a testament to the players' hard work and can't be diminished.
Matheus Nunes has made the right-back position his own since Kyle Walker's departure from Manchester City.More Videos
Manchester City were found guilty of all charges related to serious breaches of the Premier League financial rules over a nine-season period, before the club contested the verdict on the eve of its appeal deadline.
The independent commission found that City arranged ‘sham’ contracts, filed misstated accounts and inflated the club’s revenue over £900 million between 2009 and 2018.
While the club’s future remains uncertain, many football fans believe City should face severe penalties if their appeal fails. Potential sanctions include forced relegation via a large points deduction, a substantial fine, and the stripping of major titles won under Roberto Mancini, Manuel Pellegrini and Pep Guardiola.
Burnley defender Kyle Walker has admitted he would trade winning the treble with Manchester City for a winner’s medal with England.cityxtra.co.ukBurnley defender Kyle Walker has admitted he would trade winning the treble with Manchester City for a winner’s medal with England.
Kyle Walker admits he would swap Manchester City treble for England winner's medal
Great Man City years can’t be taken away from players, says Walker
Walker, who joined Manchester City from Tottenham in 2017 and spent eight years at the club, won the UEFA Champions League under Guardiola, along with 12 major domestic honours.
Speaking to talkSPORT on Wednesday, Walker said it “obviously doesn’t look great”, while admitting that commenting extensively on the matter won’t do him or anyone involved justice.
“At a personal level, I can say the lads, we spent many and many great years celebrating many trophies and everything like that, and that’s something that, whatever happens, they can’t take away from us because we’ve experienced those nights," the former England right-back said, as relayed by The Irish News.
Following the guilty verdict, Manchester City said they were “both disappointed and surprised by the opinion of the Premier League Commission” and asserted their innocence before launching an appeal last week.
How long will Man City’s appeal take?
As reported by Sports Illustrated, there are set dates for the appeal process from start to finish, which must be met strictly by a new, three-person commission within 12 weeks of the appeal being lodged.
A five-day hearing will take place between now and December 24, which is the deadline for the appeal conclusion, given that the Citizens exercised their right to a second hearing on October 1.
Then, the commission will have 30 days to come up with a fair and just verdict, which will contribute towards establishing a punishment if necessary.
Several City officials and sponsors have showcased their support for the club, including former manager Guardiola, who is expected to be in attendance at City's UEFA Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain next week at the Etihad Stadium.