Key Takeaways:
- Enzo Maresca will meet Manchester City players on Thursday to discuss the independent commission’s verdict and the club’s appeal
- City has been found guilty of 114 of 115 Premier League financial rule breaches from 2009–2018, but no sporting sanctions have been applied so far
- Maresca must prepare his team for an away fixture at Liverpool on 11 October despite ongoing uncertainties
Manager to Address Squad Following Commission Verdict
Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca is set to hold a meeting with his players on Thursday, with the aim of clarifying the club’s current legal situation following the damning verdict from the independent commission investigating Premier League financial wrongdoings. The session will take place once most of the squad arrives back in Manchester after completing their international duties. During the meeting, Maresca intends to explain how the club is handling its appeal against the commission’s findings and provide the squad with further details regarding forthcoming proceedings.
🚨 𝗡𝗘𝗪: Enzo Maresca will address the Manchester City squad on THURSDAY for the first time since the club were found guilty of 114 of 115 Premier League charges.
— @MirrorFootball https://t.co/BVk3dwc1nq
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) October 5, 2026
Details of Financial Breaches and Appeal
The commission has found Manchester City guilty of breaching 114 out of 115 financial regulations between 2009 and 2018. The club, however, has categorically denied these findings and has already submitted an appeal challenging the verdict. At present, the commission has not imposed any sporting penalties on City. Nonetheless, the potential outcomes of the appeal include substantial financial fines, points deduction, or even expulsion from the Premier League.
Maresca Focuses on On-Field Preparations
Maresca, who succeeded Pep Guardiola following the latter’s ten-year spell at the helm, is now tasked with readying his team for a major challenge—a trip to Anfield to face Liverpool on 11 October. The Italian manager has underlined his intent to remain focused on footballing matters despite the distractions off the pitch. In his response to the verdict, he posted a quote from Socrates: “The only thing I know is that I know nothing,” accompanied by the remarks: “Time to take a breath. Time to analyze. Time to learn.”
Future Uncertainty for City
The club’s future continues to hang in the balance as it awaits the resolution of its appeal and clarification of any subsequent disciplinary actions. Throughout this period, Maresca is working to insulate his squad from external speculation and to reinforce their focus on maintaining high standards in their performances as the season progresses.
