Guardiola backs Manchester City as financial scandal looms
Pep Guardiola has offered his backing to Manchester City after an independent commission found the club guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules, stating “We will get through this together”. The inquiry revealed schemes that inflated revenue by more than £900 million over a nine‑season period.
The commission concluded City deliberately tried to circumvent Premier League regulations between 2009‑10 and 2017‑18. It identified a disguised funding scheme where Abu Dhabi United Group funded a fraction of recorded income, inflating revenue by over £830 million, overstating image‑rights income by almost £74 million and understating staff‑contract liabilities by about £17 million.
The club now faces the threat of severe sporting sanctions, including a points deduction or even expulsion from the Premier League. Such penalties would represent a dramatic fall from grace for a side that has claimed eight Premier League titles since the 2008 takeover, six under Guardiola’s tenure.
Guardiola backs the club amid crisis
Guardiola, who departed City at the end of last season, posted on the Pep Team X account, declaring “I want every single @ManCity fan to know I am here; more than ever”. He reaffirmed his loyalty to the owner, chairman Ferran Soriano, the players, staff and supporters, and signed off with “We will get through this together”. The statement was reproduced in a Stock Photo caption by Alamy and featured in the Times.
Pep Guardiola firmly backs Manchester City despite the scandal
Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane responded on ITV, saying, “They knew it would hurt a lot of people, but they’ve still done it, and, if I was a player, I’d be 100 percent sticking those medals in the bin.” His blunt remark underscored the frustration felt by many in the football community.
City prepares appeal and staff video message
Manchester City’s chief executive Ferran Soriano told staff in a video message that the commission’s findings were based on a “conspiracy theory”. The club has indicated its intention to appeal, arguing the decision contains clear material errors of law, principle and fact and is unsafe. The appeal will be lodged while the club continues its Live Video Review of the situation, with internal Podcasts keeping staff updated.
The investigation has prompted other top‑flight clubs to write to the league, urging a swift conclusion before the season’s end. The story appears on a platform that covers Soccer, LOI, Rugby, Golf, Racing, Upgrade, League, Horse, Boxing, Motorsport, Athletics, NFL and NBA, reflecting the broad interest across the Sport.
Guardiola breaks his silence and backs City after the ruling
If sanctions are imposed, the impact will ripple through the Football Family, affecting fans who See More Stories about the club’s legacy. The episode adds another chapter to the Premier narrative, reminding supporters that success on the pitch can be shadowed by off‑field controversies.