Coventry City manager Frank Lampard has refused to speculate on Manchester City’s financial breaches or the potential consequences for his former club, insisting the appeal process must be allowed to run its course.

City were found guilty of breaching Premier League financial regulations following a lengthy investigation into their financial activities between 2009 and 2018.

The club have denied any wrongdoing and have launched an appeal against the independent commission’s findings.

Lampard, who spent the 2014-15 season at the Etihad Stadium towards the end of his playing career, admitted he was not in a position to judge the case.

“We’ve all seen the news, it’s obviously big news, Man City are appealing. I guess my reaction is that, right?” Lampard said.

“What can you say when an appeal is going on? I’m not inside the story, I’m outside it completely. I played for Man City a long time ago now, for one year.

“We’ll wait and see what the result of the appeal is and onwards. I don’t know the timelines at all.”

Lampard made 38 appearances in the Premier League during his single season with City, scoring six goals after leaving Chelsea.

Lampard unsure of impact on City’s season

The former England midfielder was also asked whether the ongoing controversy could affect Manchester City’s performances this season.

City face the possibility of significant sporting sanctions if their appeal is unsuccessful, although the final punishment has yet to be decided.

Lampard did not want to predict how the situation might influence the players or manager Enzo Maresca.

“I don’t know, for Man City? I’m outside the loop,” he said.

“I have this job and my, not problems, but things I need to work on and I always respect a manager for whatever situation, there are a lot of things you don’t know.

“This is obviously something we do know but they are obviously a huge football club now, a huge squad of quality players so we will see.”