Manchester City appeal against panel verdict

Manchester City confirmed on Friday they had launched an appeal against a damning judgement that found the club guilty of all charges related to serious breaches of the Premier League's financial rules. An independent commission delivered its findings earlier this week and City had until Friday to appeal -- the Premier League leaders announced shortly before midday (1900 HKT) that they had done so. No sanction has yet been decided upon but City could face substantial points deductions, a fine or even expulsion from the top division. The 10-time English champions, who continue to deny any wrongdoing, 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." The Premier League issued an update, saying said an "independent appeal board hearing will remain private and confidential until publication of the outcome is permitted". Earlier on Friday, the English Football Association broke its silence on the case, saying that the commission's decision "has significant implications for the integrity of the...