An update on Manchester City’s guilty verdict appeal has been shared by an unlikely source.
Arsenal legend Martin Keown has shared information over rumours he’s currently hearing about City after the club launched an official appeal following an independent commission finding them guilty on 114 charges of breaching the Premier League’s financial regulations between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons.
City claim they are “innocent of accusations made by the Premier League”, insisting they have “irrefutable evidence” that the independent commission’s ruling is “unsafe”.
It was recently revealed that City are expected to be informed about their possible sanctions before the current Premier League season ends.
If found guilty, a significant points deduction is expected. While relegation to the EFL’s lowest tier, League Two, is apparently unlikely, demotion to the Championship is reportedly seen as a more likely outcome.
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Martin Keown Shares 'Rumours' He's Hearing
martin keown
Amid the guilty verdict which has rocked English football, it’s been business as usual for Man City’s players and coaching staff.
Enzo Maresca has guided the Citizens to a flawless start to the 2026-27 Premier League campaign, picking up seven wins from a possible seven.
Many expected last month’s guilty verdict would have a significant impact on Man City, but that hasn’t been the case.
Is that because City know they stand a good chance of avoiding an unprecedented punishment?
Martin Keown told talkSPORT on Monday: “I’m hearing rumours this will all be over in a number of weeks.
"Maybe they get off with huge fines, and we return to the football pitch again.”
Keown didn’t elaborate on where these “rumours” have come from, although former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan argued this would only be possible if Man City made a deal.
Jordan explained how unlikely this scenario would be as it would involve City having to admit “some degree of guilt or culpability.”
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Key Events Timeline
November 2018 — Der Spiegel published leaked emails alleging City disguised owner funding as sponsorship income.
July 2020 — CAS overturned UEFA's two-year European ban imposed on City that February.
February 2023 — Premier League charged City with 115 financial breaches spanning 2009 to 2018.
September 2024 — Independent commission began hearing the case privately in London.
December 2024 — Hearing concluded, leaving City and the Premier League awaiting a verdict.
October 2026 — Man City launch appeal after being found guilty of 114 charges.
Keown’s surprise comments come days after a sports lawyer revealed City face “substantial hurdles” for a successful appeal.
While the appeal process continues, Maresca and his players will be focused on continuing their excellent start to the season.
City resume their Champions League campaign against AEK at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday before a trip to Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday lunchtime.
Four days later, City take on in-form Brighton, aiming to secure their place in the EFL Cup fifth round.