Kyle Walker reflects on Man City’s trophies amid financial rules appeal

Kyle Walker has said the memories created during Manchester City’s trophy-heavy years cannot be removed, while declining to offer a detailed view on the club’s ongoing financial case. The former City captain spoke after an independent commission found that the club had breached financial rules over a nine-year period, with City now pursuing an appeal.

Walker reflects on City’s successful era

The 36-year-old right-back spent eight seasons at the Etihad Stadium from 2017 until 2025, becoming one of the defining players of City’s dominant period under Pep Guardiola. He was part of a side that collected major domestic, European and global honours before his move to Burnley.

Walker accepted that the case has cast an unwanted shadow over the club, but said he did not intend to discuss the legal detail while the appeal process remains active. He said the situation “doesn’t look great”, yet stressed that a public assessment of the proceedings would not help either himself or those involved.

Instead, Walker pointed to the shared experiences of the players and supporters during those title-winning campaigns. He said the group had celebrated together over many years and that those occasions would remain with them regardless of the final legal outcome.

• Six Premier League titles
• Two FA Cups
• Four League Cups
• Two Community Shields
• One Champions League
• One UEFA Super Cup
• One FIFA Club World Cup

Commission findings and City’s appeal

Last week’s commission ruling concluded that Manchester City had systematically bypassed financial fair play requirements during a nine-year period. The panel found that more than £830 million in owner funding had been used to increase reported revenues through arrangements it considered artificial.

Those arrangements, the ruling said, allowed City to meet Premier League and UEFA financial regulations. The findings prompted a formal appeal from the club.

In its statement released last Friday, City said the judgment contained significant errors in law, principle and fact. The club maintained that the decision was unsafe, denied the Premier League’s allegations and said it held extensive evidence supporting its case.

Supporters remembered by former captain

Walker said players wanted their success to be viewed as properly earned, adding that the controversy was difficult given the effort invested by the squad throughout that period.

He also highlighted the role of supporters who followed the side across England and Europe. In particular, he referenced the travelling City fans in Istanbul for the Champions League final that completed the club’s treble, saying those supporters deserved to remember such nights as much as the players did.

Walker’s position was that the eventual ruling will now be determined through the appeal, but that the personal significance of City’s victories will not change for those who took part in them.

Burnley’s immediate challenge

Walker is now with Burnley, who are bottom of the Championship table. While his former club’s appeal develops, the defender’s focus is on helping Burnley improve their position and move away from the division’s relegation places.