Erling Haaland Breaks Silence With 'Stick Together' Message to Man City Fans After Cheating Verdict

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has urged supporters to 'stick together' after an independent commission found the club guilty of serious breaches of Premier League financial regulations, a decision City is appealing.

The Norwegian international delivered his message in an interview published on Thursday, 8 October 2026, ahead of City's Premier League clash against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, 11 October.

His comments came after the commission published its findings on 29 September, concluding that City had breached financial regulations over nine seasons. The club disputes the ruling and maintains its innocence.

Haaland Sends Message to Manchester City Fans

Haaland, speaking to Sky Sports, urged supporters to remain united despite the controversy surrounding the club.

'We have to stick together. We have to stay with each other, and we have to stay positive,' he said.

The striker encouraged fans to focus on football rather than allow the ongoing proceedings to overshadow the team's performances. 'No matter what happens in life, we always have to have a smile,' he added.

Haaland also urged supporters to look ahead, enjoy the occasion and continue backing the players through the uncertainty. He emphasised his personal connection to Manchester, where his father, Alf-Inge Haaland, previously played for City.

'I care a lot about this place,' Haaland said, explaining that his attachment to the club extended beyond his playing career.

His remarks represent his first public response since the commission's findings emerged, offering reassurance to supporters facing uncertainty about the club's future.

What Did Manchester City Do Wrong?

The Premier League announced on 29 September that an independent commission had found City guilty of serious financial-rule breaches covering the 2009/10 to 2017/18 seasons.

According to the league's official statement, the commission concluded that City arranged misleading commercial agreements that artificially inflated revenues and reduced reported costs.

It also found that the club submitted misstated financial accounts and concealed its financial position from auditors and football regulators.

The commission further upheld three of four allegations concerning failures to cooperate with the Premier League's investigation.

However, Manchester City rejected the findings, insisting it was innocent and arguing that the commission's decision contained material legal and factual errors.

The club confirmed that it lodged its appeal at 7pm on Thursday, 1 October 2026.

The appeal challenges the commission's conclusions, meaning the disciplinary process remains unresolved.

Potential sanctions include financial penalties, points deductions or other sporting punishments, but no punishment has been finalised.

Liverpool Clash Tests City's Focus

The controversy comes as Manchester City prepare for a high-profile meeting with Liverpool. City enter the fixture holding a three-point advantage at the top of the Premier League table.

The trip to Anfield will be their first league match since the commission's findings became public.

Haaland acknowledged the importance of the rivalry, recalling the intense competition between the clubs during the managerial eras of Pep Guardiola and Jürgen Klopp. 'It's always special to play against Liverpool,' he said.

For City, the immediate priority remains maintaining their position in the title race. Yet the financial proceedings could have consequences extending far beyond Sunday's result.

Haaland's message offers reassurance to supporters, but the club's appeal and the possibility of sanctions mean questions about Manchester City's future remain unanswered.