Former manager Pep Guardiola has pledged his support to Manchester City after an independent commission found the club guilty of numerous financial rule breaches.
Key facts
- •The independent commission found Manchester City guilty of breaching financial rules over nine seasons, from 2009-10 to 2017-18.
- •The club is accused of using sham contracts to disguise over £830 million in secret funding.
- •Manchester City has until October 2 to file an appeal against the commission's findings.
- •During his tenure, Pep Guardiola led the club to six Premier League titles, one Champions League, three FA Cups, and five League Cups.
- •Several sponsors, including BYD, Joie, and Lucozade, have stated they are not commenting while the legal process is ongoing.
Former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has publicly backed the club's ownership and leadership after an independent commission found Manchester City guilty of all charges related to financial rule breaches between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons. Guardiola, who managed the club from 2016 until 2026, stated on social media that he remains fully behind the club, its staff, and its supporters, asserting that they will navigate the situation together.
Findings of the Independent Commission
The independent commission concluded that Manchester City utilized "sham contracts" with commercial partners to disguise secret funding totaling more than £830 million. These actions were described as part of a scheme to artificially inflate club revenues and conceal the true state of its finances. The commission found the club guilty of all charges regarding financial rule breaches during the nine-season period, as well as all but one charge related to a failure to cooperate with the investigation.
Club Response and Legal Outlook
Manchester City continues to deny any wrongdoing, with chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak stating the club remains confident in proving its innocence. Chief executive Ferran Soriano informed staff and players via a video message that the commission ignored "irrefutable evidence," with some reports noting he characterized the process as a "Premier League conspiracy theory." The club has confirmed its intention to appeal the ruling and has until October 2 to submit its formal challenge.
Broader Impact and Reactions
The verdict has prompted widespread discussion, with Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher calling for the club to be stripped of titles won during the period in question and for a change in ownership. Meanwhile, several of the club's sponsors, including PUMA, Kellogg's, and Revolut, have declined to comment on the findings while the legal process remains ongoing. Sky Sports News reports that other Premier League clubs are beginning to consult with legal counsel regarding potential further litigation against Manchester City.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by BBC Sport, Sky Sports Football.
