Manager Pep Guardiola has suggested that Manchester City’s Premier League rivals are eager to see the club punished for alleged violations of financial regulations. With a hearing into the club’s 115 charges set to begin on Monday, Guardiola expressed relief at the progression of the case.
City was formally charged in February 2023 after a four-year investigation, accused of breaching the Premier League’s financial rules between 2009 and 2018. The club has consistently denied all allegations, asserting that their position is backed by a “comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence.”
Javier Tebas, president of Spain’s La Liga and a vocal critic of City, claims to have spoken with numerous Premier League clubs. He believes they support sanctions against City, which he refers to as a “state club” backed by their owners, the Abu Dhabi-based City Football Group, and compares them terming their spending as “financial doping.”
In response to Tebas’s claims, Guardiola remarked, “For the first time I agree with Tebas. All the Premier League teams want us to be sanctioned, that is for sure. But I advise Mr. Tebas and the Premier League teams to wait for the independent panel. Justice exists in a modern democracy. It’s not complicated.”
Guardiola emphasized that much like the previous investigations by UEFA, the outcome will depend on the findings of an independent panel. He stated, “We believe we have not done anything wrong.”
The case, dubbed sport’s “trial of the century,” is anticipated to last around 10 weeks, with a verdict expected in early 2025. The Premier League has also accused City of failing to cooperate with the investigation.
When the Premier League’s inquiry began, City labeled the allegations as “entirely false,” claiming that earlier reports published in German newspaper Der Spiegel stemmed from “illegal hacking and contextually misrepresented City emails.”
If the most serious charges are upheld, City could face significant penalties, including a points deduction that might lead to relegation or even expulsion from the Premier League. Since the Abu Dhabi takeover in 2008, City has claimed eight league titles, numerous domestic cups, and the Champions League.
Regarding the impending hearing, Guardiola stated, “It starts soon and hopefully finishes soon. An independent panel will decide, and I look forward to their ruling. I’m glad it’s starting on Monday. While there will be speculation and new discussions about the outcomes, it’s important to remember that everyone is innocent until proven guilty.”
What Are the 115 Charges?
- 54 counts of failing to provide accurate financial information from 2009-10 to 2017-18.
- 14 counts of failing to provide accurate details regarding player and manager payments from 2009-10 to 2017-18.
- 5 counts of failing to comply with UEFA’s rules, including Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations from 2013-14 to 2017-18.
- 7 counts of breaching the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules from 2015-16 to 2017-18.
- 35 counts of failing to cooperate with Premier League investigations from December 2018 to February 2023.
Credit: BBC Sport
