Enzo Maresca to address media ahead of Liverpool clash after City verdict

City’s appeal and the hostile Anfield atmosphere set the stage for a tense Premier League encounter.

By Felo News Desk · Published Fri, 09 Oct 2026 08:54:19 GMT

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca will hold a press conference on Sunday, the first since the Premier League’s independent commission found the club guilty of 114 financial‑rules breaches.

What happened

The commission announced the verdict during the international break, confirming breaches spanning 2009‑2018 and estimating disguised funding of more than £900 million. City immediately lodged an appeal, maintaining its innocence. The club’s next match is a Premier League fixture at Liverpool’s Anfield stadium on Sunday, a venue where fans are expected to react strongly to the ruling.

What the reports add

According to the Independent, the verdict covered 114 breaches and the club’s appeal is already underway. The outlet also notes that Liverpool were among the clubs most financially impacted by the alleged “sham” contracts, and that the Anfield crowd is likely to be hostile.

Al Jazeera reports that Liverpool are the first opponent to face City after the ruling and that the Anfield atmosphere is expected to be “angry”. It adds that the scandal is the biggest in Premier League history and that the backlash could linger throughout the game.

What was said

The Independent quotes Maresca as reiterating his “complete trust” in the club while acknowledging the difficulty of keeping players focused. Al Jazeera notes that City have protested their innocence and are appealing the verdict, which involved more than 100 charges of financial wrongdoing.

How it came about

The verdict follows a nine‑year investigation that culminated in the Premier League’s announcement on 26 September 2026. Earlier Felo coverage documented the club’s first public appearance after the ruling (Manchester City players return to Etihad after Premier League financial verdict) and the manager’s cryptic “I know nothing” response (Manchester City guilty verdict sparks Enzo Maresca’s cryptic reply). The appeal process and upcoming match were highlighted in those pieces, setting the context for today’s press conference.

Key facts

Manchester City were found guilty of 114 Premier League financial‑rule breaches covering 2009‑2018. (independent.co.uk)
Enzo Maresca will hold his first press conference since the verdict. (independent.co.uk)
City have appealed the decision and maintain their innocence. (aljazeera.com)
The club’s next match is against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday. (aljazeera.com)