Pep Guardiola has posted a message of support to the players, staff, fans and ownership of Manchester City saying: “We will get through this together. I love you all.”
Man City was found guilty of all charges relating to serious breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules by an independent commission.
of The independent commission found that between 2009/10 and 2017/18, Manchester City arranged “falsified” contracts with a number of its commercial partners as part of a “disguised financing scheme” to artificially inflate the club’s income by £830m.
The club continues to deny the violations, with chief executive Ferran Soriano calling the process a “Premier League conspiracy theory” in a video message to players and staff. The club has confirmed that they will appeal against the decision and you have until Friday 2 October to do so.
Guardiola, who was City manager between 2016 and 2026, posted on social media: “I want every Manchester City fan around the world to know that I am here; more than ever. I am, always have been, always will be behind my club, my owner, my chairman, Ferran, the players, the staff, Enzo (Maresca) and you, our unique supporters.
“Let me be clear: we will get through this together. I love you all.”
What did the independent commission find?
- Manchester City arranged “falsified” contracts with a number of its commercial partners as part of a “disguised financing scheme” to artificially inflate the club’s revenue by £830 million.
- The club submitted accounts that hid the true state of its finances.
- Manchester City have significantly breached Premier League and UEFA spending limits and breached “over 100” Premier League regulations.
- Manchester City failed to co-operate and act in good faith with the league during the investigation, with three of the four alleged offenses upheld and one allegation not proven
The commission also said it was “regrettable” that a decision had taken so long to reach, with the hearing taking place between September and December 2024.
City: The process was not impartial
or Manchester City The statement released on Tuesday said: “Manchester City FC is disappointed and surprised by the opinion of the Premier League commission, which has been published today.
“The club is innocent of the allegations made by the Premier League and there is a comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence supporting all of its positions in relation to this case. The club will therefore be relentless and where necessary proactive in any and all appropriate regulatory and legal forums.
“The Premier League process remains ongoing, with significant elements unfinished. Manchester City FC will now pursue the avenues of appeal open to it, on the basis that the opinion contains clear material errors of law, principle and fact and is unsafe.
“The club has diligently respected due process for eight years on the basis that the Premier League board and executive would act as an independent, impartial and fair-minded regulator, free from partisan influence.
“The club is obviously limited in what it can say further until all future proceedings are completed.”
Manchester City’s statement incorrectly refers to a Premier League commission. It is an independent commission.
