Manchester City star Erling Haaland has encouraged fans to stay positive amidst the controversy surrounding the club.
Man City were found guilty on 114 charges related to serious breaches of Premier League financial rules.
The independent commission found that the club had arranged “sham” contracts with multiple commercial partners as part of a “disguised funding scheme” to falsely inflate the club’s revenues by £830m between 2009/10 and 2017/18.
Appeal launched
The club have since launched an appeal against the verdict and have maintained their innocence.
“Manchester City Football Club can confirm that at 7pm on Thursday 1st October 2026 the club lodged its comprehensive appeal against the opinion of the Premier League Commission, in relation to the Premier League disciplinary matter,” the club said in a statement.
“The club’s firm position is that, on multiple grounds, the opinion contains clear material errors, of law, principle and fact and is unsafe.
“The club is innocent of the accusations made by the Premier League and a comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence exists in support of all of its positions, relating to this case.
“We will continue to respect due process and are necessarily restricted in what we can say further until all proceedings are complete.”
Haaland inspires confidence
Manchester City travel to Anfield on Sunday, October 11, with Premier League action resuming after a three-week international break.
Despite the negative press surrounding the Etihad side, the club have remained positive.
When asked what he had to say to the fans ahead of the game, Haaland said: “They’re going to have a good time.
“We have to stick together. We have to stay with each other, and we have to stay positive.
“No matter what happens in life, we always have to have a smile.
“So we have to stay positive, look ahead, and try to win football games and try to enjoy the situation and win the game.
“We have to stick together; we have to spread the love to each other. So yeah: stick together, and enjoy the ride and smile.
“I care a lot about the city, I have to say. I care a lot about the fans because I’m a fan myself, and I feel with them as well,” the Norway international added.
A tough test ahead
Manchester City are the only side with a perfect record, having won the first five games of the season so far, and sitting confidently atop the Premier League table.
While Liverpool have endured a shakier start to the season, they are still a side with quality, and facing them at Anfield is no easy feat for any team.
However, Haaland is looking forward to the game, saying on Sky Sports: “It’s always special to play against Liverpool. Especially with Pep and Klopp.
“I remember sitting in Salzburg and Dortmund and watching the games, how much they pushed each other. It’s always special games there.
“I won there, I drew there, I lost. So it’s always special, and every Premier League game is different, and every game against Liverpool is always special.”
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