Potter jokes about City’s £900m verdict, Gyokeres can’t hide his grin
Sweden manager Graham Potter turned a press conference on 2 October 2026 into a comedy routine, joking about Manchester City’s recent financial verdict while Arsenal forward Viktor Gyokeres watched with an unmistakable smirk. The joke referenced the club’s nearly £900 million breach, a figure that surfaced in a Tuesday afternoon verdict.
Verdict details and City’s response
The official verdict, released on Tuesday afternoon, concluded that Manchester City had artificially pumped nearly £900 million into the club over a nine‑year period, breaching Premier League financial regulations. The investigation found that money was injected by the club’s Abu Dhabi owners, effectively disguising sponsorship income.
Manchester City have denied any wrongdoing and announced they have lodged an appeal against the ruling. In a Friday statement the club argued the opinion contains clear material errors of law, principle and fact, and asserted its innocence. New Premier League rules stipulate that a hearing must be held within twelve weeks of an appeal, with a decision due within thirty days, and the hearing itself may last no longer than five days.
Potter’s press conference remarks
Sweden’s Graham Potter, who managed Chelsea between 2022 and 2023, opened the pre‑match press conference ahead of the Nations League clash with Bosnia and Herzegovina by saying, ‘We’ve been hit by an infection or a bug, whatever.’ He added, ‘Not ideal, but it happens. We’ve called in some players who have been fantastic.’ When asked about player withdrawals, Potter quipped, ‘In terms of how many withdrawals, I think we have had a similar number to Man City’s charges.’
Potter later clarified that the comment was intended as a joke, noting the seriousness of the financial case. The Sweden manager’s remarks came as the team prepared to face Bosnia and Herzegovina in a Nations League fixture later that week.
Gyokeres reaction and Arsenal implications
Arsenal forward Viktor Gyokeres, seated beside Potter, could barely conceal a grin as the joke landed, his amusement captured in photographs shared on social media. Gyokeres is under contract with Arsenal, a club that finished second to Manchester City in the Premier League race last season.
Any points deduction or transfer ban imposed on Manchester City would therefore play a major role in Arsenal’s favour, potentially narrowing the gap between the two clubs. The Swedish manager’s jest, coupled with the ongoing appeal, has sparked a wave of fan commentary targeting the English giants.
Supporters have taken to online platforms to mock Manchester City, while Potter, recalling his stint at Chelsea, has joined the chorus of criticism. The case remains unresolved, with the club awaiting a hearing before a new panel, and the outcome could reshape the financial landscape of the Premier League.