Man City to face hostile backlash

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, October 11, 2026

Manchester City will play Liverpool at Anfield on Monday following a ruling that the club committed financial misconduct by inflating revenues and hiding costs by over £900 million between 2009 and 2018. The match takes place amid ongoing uncertainty as Manchester City appeals the decision, leaving the Premier League season and potential sanctions unresolved.

Manchester City is set to face Liverpool at Anfield on Monday in a highly anticipated English Premier League match, marking the club’s first game since being found guilty of financial misconduct. An independent commission concluded that Manchester City engaged in “sham” transactions designed to artificially inflate revenues and reduce costs by more than £900 million (approximately A$1.7 billion) over the period from 2009 to 2018.

These financial violations occurred during a time when Manchester City dominated English football, securing three Premier League titles and numerous other trophies. During this period, Liverpool struggled to compete against Manchester City’s ascendancy.

In response to the ruling, Manchester City has lodged an appeal, challenging the commission’s findings. The Premier League season is currently affected by the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the appeal process and potential sanctions, causing a pause in decision-making.

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola highlighted the difficulty of the situation, noting that the prevailing uncertainty over the club’s future sanctions is the most troubling aspect. Both clubs now await the outcome of the appeal as the league continues.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.