Pep Guardiola has thrown his support behind Manchester City after the club were found guilty of serious breaches of Premier League financial regulations.
The former City manager delivered a defiant message to the club’s players, staff, ownership and supporters, insisting they would face the fallout together.
Guardiola wrote on social media: “I want every single Manchester City fan across the world to know I am here; more than ever. I am, always have been, always will, be behind my club, my owner, my chairman, Ferran, the players, staff, Enzo [Maresca] and you, our unique supporters.
“Let me be clear: we will get through this together. I love you all.”
His intervention comes after an independent commission ruled that Manchester City were guilty of charges relating to serious financial breaches during the period between 2009/10 and 2017/18.
According to the commission’s findings, City arranged what it described as “sham” contracts with several commercial partners as part of a “disguised funding scheme”. The arrangement was found to have artificially increased the club’s reported revenues by £830m.
The commission also concluded that the club had filed accounts that did not reflect the true state of its finances and had significantly breached Premier League and UEFA spending limits.
City were found to have broken well over 100 Premier League regulations, while the commission also ruled that the club failed to cooperate and act in good faith during the league’s investigation.
Three of four alleged breaches concerning that aspect of the case were upheld, while one was not proven.
Manchester City have rejected the findings and confirmed that they intend to appeal.
Chief executive Ferran Soriano described the process as a “Premier League conspiracy theory” in a video message to City players and staff, underlining the club’s continued opposition to the commission’s conclusions.
In an official statement, City said: “Manchester City FC is both disappointed and surprised by the opinion of the Premier League commission, that has been published today.
“The club is innocent of the accusations made by the Premier League and a comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence exists in support of all of its positions, relating 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 uncompleted. Manchester City FC will now pursue the appeal avenues 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 behave as an independent, impartial and fair-minded regulator, free from partisan influence.
“The club is obviously restricted in what it can say further until all future proceedings are complete.”
The club’s statement referred to a Premier League commission, although the ruling was issued by an independent commission.
The case has been ongoing for years, with the hearing taking place between September and December 2024. The independent commission acknowledged the length of the process, describing the delay in reaching a decision as “regrettable”.
City now have until Friday, October 2 to formally appeal the ruling.
For Guardiola, who managed Manchester City from 2016 until 2026, the immediate message is one of unity.
His public show of support places him firmly alongside the club’s ownership, leadership, squad, staff and supporters as City prepare for the next stage of a case that could have significant implications for the Premier League champions.
The verdict is not the end of the legal and regulatory process, with Manchester City set to challenge the findings through the available appeal channels.
Toosin is a dedicated sports writer with a strong background in crafting engaging and insightful content. With experience at Goal, he has developed a sharp editorial sense and a refined storytelling approach that brings depth and perspective to sports journalism. His passion for the game goes beyond the headlines, as he captures both the excitement of the sport and the compelling human narratives behind each event. Toosin’s work resonates with a broad and diverse audience, making global sports stories accessible, relatable, and impactful.
