Kavanagh to referee City vs Liverpool as Oliver sits out first Premier League weekend since guilty verdict

Chris Kavanagh has been appointed to referee Manchester City’s meeting with Liverpool this weekend, the first Premier League fixtures since City were found guilty of all but one of the more than 100 financial regulation charges brought against them by the league.

Michael Oliver, widely considered one of England’s top referees and the only official to have taken charge of a fixture in every game week of the season so far, will not officiate in the Premier League this weekend. It is routine for refereeing body Pro Ref to rotate officials throughout the campaign, and Oliver was also in action during the international break, taking charge of Italy’s 4-1 Nations League win over Turkey.

City have appealed the guilty verdict before the deadline, with the club facing potentially severe sanctions — including substantial points deductions or even relegation — if the ruling is ultimately upheld.

Head coach Enzo Maresca addressed the media for the first time since last week’s ruling, making clear he retains complete faith in the club and its ownership. “The reason why I joined this club is because I completely trust, 100 per cent, the owner, the CEO, the sporting director, the whole organisation. I don’t have any doubt about that,” the 46-year-old said.

“There is not another club in the world where I would like to be. I am very happy to be here, I am very proud, as I’ve said since day one. I would like to speak about this situation when we are going to win the appeal. I completely trust the club in this moment, in the future, always.”

Maresca, appointed as Pep Guardiola’s successor in the summer, also insisted he would still have taken the role even had the verdict been known at the time. He stopped short of fully committing to remaining at the Etihad Stadium should the appeal prove unsuccessful, but stressed he was not getting ahead of himself on that question.

The Italian boss also made clear he believes City’s titles remain untarnished, expressing confidence the club will succeed in overturning the verdict on appeal.