Pep Guardiola has publicly broken his silence following the publication of the independent commission’s findings into Manchester City’s long-running Premier League financial case, sending a message of solidarity to the club, its leadership, players, staff and supporters.
Guardiola, who left his position as Manchester City manager at the end of last season after a decade in charge, made clear that his relationship with the club remains strong despite the verdict.
“I want every single @ManCity fan 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 and you, our unique supporters.
“Let me be clear: we will get through this together. I love you all.”
The message was Guardiola’s first public reaction following the commission’s findings. His post was accompanied by photographs from his Manchester City years, including moments involving chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak, the club’s Champions League triumph and Premier League celebrations. Reuters+1
Guardiola stands by Manchester City
Guardiola’s statement comes just one day after the Premier League announced the findings of an independent commission.
According to the Premier League’s official statement, the commission found Manchester City guilty of all charges concerning serious financial-rule breaches over the nine-season period from 2009/10 to 2017/18, as well as three of four alleged breaches relating to the club’s cooperation with the league’s investigation. Premier League
The Premier League said the commission found that City had arranged what it described as “sham” commercial contracts, which artificially increased reported revenues and reduced costs by more than £900 million during the period under investigation.
The commission also found that City had filed misstated accounts and concealed the true state of its finances from auditors and football regulators, according to the league’s published summary. Premier League
The league said the commission concluded that, had the relevant agreements been accurately reported, Manchester City would have breached both Premier League and UEFA spending limits by a substantial amount. Premier League
Manchester City rejects the findings
Manchester City has strongly rejected the commission’s conclusions.
In a statement following the verdict, the club said it was “innocent of the accusations” and maintained that it possesses evidence supporting its position. City also confirmed that it intends to appeal the findings, with the Premier League stating that the club has until October 2, 2026 to lodge its appeal. Reuters+1
Chief executive Ferran Soriano also addressed City staff following the publication of the verdict. He rejected the commission’s conclusions and argued that the case was built around what he described as a false central allegation. The Guardian
The case therefore remains ongoing. The commission has yet to determine the sporting sanction, with the Premier League confirming that the question of punishment will be handled separately. Possible sanctions under the league’s rules include fines, points deductions and other sporting measures, although no sanction has yet been imposed. Premier League.