Man City brace for second sanction as Guardiola pledges support

With the international break over, the full Manchester City squad returned to training on Thursday, preparing for Sunday’s Premier League clash at Anfield. The pre‑match focus, however, has shifted from tactics to the 114 breaches of Premier League financial rules that the club was found guilty of during the break.

Charges and potential penalties

The independent panel ruled that City used ‘sham’ sponsorship deals to inflate revenue between 2009 and 2018, a claim the club vehemently denies. City have lodged an appeal and a new three‑person panel will hear evidence, with the club insisting it possesses ‘irrefutable evidence’ of innocence.

Should the appeal fail, the Premier League could impose fines, points deductions, transfer bans or even relegation. The situation echoes a previous two‑year European ban handed in 2020, which was later overturned at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Guardiola’s public backing

Former manager Pep Guardiola confirmed his return to the Etihad for Wednesday’s Champions League tie against Paris Saint‑Germain, using social media to reassure fans. He wrote: “I want every single 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.”

Guardiola will also attend the Liverpool match, underscoring his solidarity with the club during the legal battle.

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Reactions from players and officials

Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma’s representative said the squad has been given assurances that “sporting justice” will prevail. In an interview with Radio Napoli Centrale, Enzo Raiola added that the ongoing investigations would not affect the team’s focus on upcoming fixtures against Liverpool and PSG.

Former captain Kyle Walker reflected on his eight‑year tenure, noting that “the memories of my achievements cannot be erased” despite the appeal stage. He stressed that commenting on the legal process would not do justice to anyone involved.

Amie Wilson, writing for Sports at 10:36 on 08 Oct 2026, highlighted the broader context, noting that HM Revenue and Customs had previously scrutinised the club’s tax affairs in 2018, though no action was taken. The Financial Times reported the civil probe stemmed from a Der Spiegel email leak.

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Images and View links to the club’s official Manchester City Facebook page were included in the original release, inviting supporters to follow updates directly.