Pep Guardiola appears at Paris Fashion Week as Manchester City verdict looms
Pep Guardiola was seen strolling through Paris Fashion Week on Friday evening, marking his first public appearance since Manchester City received a guilty verdict for financial rule‑breaking. The sighting, reported by TARA ANSON‑WALSH on 3 October 2026, showed the former manager alongside his daughter Valentina at the Conciergerie venue.
Turbulent week for the Spanish coach
The week has been turbulent for the decorated Spanish football manager. First, the Premier League announced a damning 40‑page verdict finding Manchester City guilty of serious breaches over a nine‑year period, two of which fell under Guardiola’s tenure. The club was accused of inflating sponsorship deals and channeling disguised payments from its Abu Dhabi owners to evade spending rules.
Negreira scandal resurfaces in Spain
Attention then shifted to Spain, where the Negreira scandal re‑emerged. Real Madrid compiled 50,000 pages of evidence and submitted them to UEFA on Thursday, alleging that Barcelona made illicit payments to referee‑chief José María Enríquez Negreira. The accusations span a four‑year period when Guardiola was head coach of the Catalan side from 2008 to 2012.
Barcelona have repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, insisting the money was for scouting and technical reports provided by Negreira’s company. Former president Joan Laporta stressed that the club never bought referees. LaLiga claimed it could not investigate due to the time elapsed.
Premier League clubs push for multi‑year sanctions on Man City
Guardiola’s personal response
After leaving Manchester City in the summer, Guardiola said he needed rest and would not train for a while. "Rest. No plans to train for a while. I need to step back," he told reporters, adding that he would prove to himself the necessity of a break.
He later used social media to address City supporters, writing: "I want every single Man City 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."
At the fashion event, Guardiola appeared effortlessly stylish in a striped black shirt and dark trousers, leaning against a lamppost as photographers clamoured for shots. The Conciergerie, once a medieval royal palace and French Revolution prison, provided a historic backdrop for the evening.
Guardiola promises to be in the stands against PSG amid Manchester City chaos
After the show, the former Manchester City boss returned to his low‑key routine, leaving fans and pundits to wonder whether the recent demands for title stripping at his three former clubs will affect his future plans.