Former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has broken his silence following the independent commission’s verdict against the club, reaffirming his unwavering support for the club’s owners, board and players.
An independent commission, set up after a four-year investigation into alleged breaches between 2009 and 2018, found Manchester City guilty of almost all of the 115 charges brought against them.
The commission ruled that several commercial agreements involving the club were “sham contracts” and concluded that City’s reported income over an eight-season period had been “hugely overstated by over £830m”.
Manchester City have rejected the findings and confirmed that they will appeal the verdict. The club has until Friday, October 2, to lodge its appeal.
Chief executive Ferran Soriano has also criticised the process, describing the case in a message to players and staff as a “Premier League conspiracy theory”.
Guardiola, who enjoyed a highly successful spell at the Etihad Stadium, has now publicly thrown his weight behind the club as it prepares for its next legal battle.
Writing on Instagram, the former City boss said he would continue to stand by the club regardless of the outcome.
“I want every single Manchester City fan across the world to know I am here; more than ever,” Guardiola wrote.
“I am, always have been, always will be, behind my club, my owner, my chairman, Ferran, the players, staff, Enzo and you, our unique supporters.
“Let me be clear: we will get through this together. I love you all.”
The punishment to be imposed on Manchester City has not yet been announced.
Possible sanctions could include a points deduction or relegation, while the club could also face the prospect of having some of its titles stripped if the relevant breaches are ultimately upheld.
Such penalties could have significant implications for the legacy of Guardiola’s trophy-laden tenure at the Etihad, although any final punishment will depend on the outcome of the club’s appeal.
