Former Manchester City defender Kyle Walker has given his thoughts on the club being found guilty for serious breaches of the Premier League's financial rules.

The Cityzens have appealed against the independent commission’s findings. The veteran English right-back is no longer at City as he's currently captaining Burnley in the EFL Championship.

Kyle Walker Reacts to Manchester City's Guilty Verdicts

Walker told talkSPORT (via RMC) that the verdict “doesn't look great”, but said that commenting on the legal action while it is at the appeal stage would not do him or anyone involved any good. He did not comment directly on the commission's findings.

He said the outcome now rests with the appeal: "Whatever will be, will be".

Walker instead focused on the players and supporters. He said the squad had spent many years celebrating trophies together and that those moments could not be taken away.

He also pointed to the fans who followed the team across the country and abroad, including in Istanbul for the treble. He added that former City players probably prefer not to discuss the case because they want to be remembered for winning trophies “the right way”

Walker has first-hand experience of the period in question. He joined City from Tottenham in 2017, won 17 trophies with the club, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League, and left for Burnley in July 2025.

What the Independent Commission Found Against Manchester City

The Premier League announced on 29 September that an independent commission found City guilty of all charges relating to serious breaches of its financial rules over a nine-season period.

The commission also found the club guilty of most of the charges relating to its alleged failure to co-operate with the investigation. The breaches cover the seasons from 2009-10 to 2017-18.

The commission found that City arranged “sham” commercial deals with sponsors as part of a disguised funding scheme, under which the companies were required to pay only part of the stated sponsorship fees.

Sky Sports reports that the commission found City’s owners had put £830m of their own money into the club over nine seasons, disguised as sponsorship income, and that five of the charges concern UEFA Financial Fair Play rules.

The case has been ongoing for years. The Premier League began its investigation in December 2018 and issued a complaint in February 2023. The independent commission then held a 42-day hearing that concluded in December 2024.

City dispute the outcome. The club said the commission’s opinion contains “clear material errors, of law, principle and fact” and maintained that it is innocent of the charges.

What Happens Next in Man City's Appeal and Sanctions Process

City lodged their appeal at 7 pm on 1 October, a day before the deadline. The Premier League confirmed the appeal on 2 October and said the proceedings would remain private and confidential until publication of the outcome is permitted.

A three-member appeal board can dismiss or allow the appeal, send the case back to the commission, or alter any sanctions. City could also challenge any sanctions imposed in a separate appeal.

Under the league’s fast-track rules, an appeal hearing must be held within 12 weeks of being lodged, meaning City’s hearing must take place by 24 December. A decision is then due within 30 days of the hearing ending.

The verdict itself carries no punishment. Any sanctions will be addressed at a separate hearing before the independent commission. The possible penalties include a reprimand, fine, suspension, points deduction or, in the most serious case, expulsion from the league.

The largest points deduction in Premier League history is Everton’s 10-point penalty in 2023, which was later reduced to six on appeal. There has been no indication of whether sanctions can be imposed before City’s appeal is decided.

UEFA is also monitoring the case and considering potential action, according to Sky Sports.