The appeal as we know is not a retrial and only under certain exceptions can new evidence be submitted. What I belive is happening is the ciry legal team believe their “irrefutable” evidence was there in the first investigation but misinterpreted or misunderstood by the Independent Commissions judges. This is believe is that City are saying the funds did not come from the owner but from the Abu Dhabi government.
An appeal will have new judges look at specific evidence such as this and perhaps in greater detail than from the original IC. Word from City is that Pannick is confident the new judges will be more experienced and thus they are confident of over turning over this point and likely reducing significantly any sanctions. The whole “owner put in his own cash” would be dismissed as containing errors of material fact/law/principle.
I’d keep the champagne in the fridge for a while longer. If the appeal wins then it’s likely just the non cooperation charges that hold and a fine, slap and maybe a season transfer ban. Or could even go to retrial which City would likely win.
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