Former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has reaffirmed his support for the club after it was found guilty of 114 breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations.
Guardiola, who departed City at the end of last season following a decade in charge, addressed the matter publicly in a social media post after the verdict was released.
“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,” Guardiola wrote on his official Instagram page.
“Let me be clear: we will get through this together. I love you all.”
The Premier League’s findings stated that City breached financial rules concerning the club’s financial reporting and commercial income between 2009 and 2018.
The report said the club had overstated commercial revenue and understated costs by approximately £900 million, while also providing inaccurate accounts and hiding its actual financial position.
Manchester City has rejected the allegations and confirmed that it will appeal the verdict.
Guardiola had previously backed the club’s stance while still in charge of the team.
Speaking before leaving in May, he said: “I trust them. I spoke with them and trust how they behave and how they did. What happened, happened.”
The former City manager had also defended the club during the period in which it was awaiting the outcome of the case.
“I believe what they say to me and the reasons why. I said, ‘Okay, let’s see.’ I cannot say any more yet because we’re awaiting the sentence,” he said.
Guardiola also addressed calls from sections of the football community demanding harsh sanctions against City if the club was found guilty.
“I read something about the situation and how we need to be relegated immediately. Seventy-five per cent of the clubs want it, because I know what they do behind the scenes,” he said.
City chief executive Ferran Soriano and chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak have similarly released messages to supporters, insisting that the club remains confident of overturning the findings through its appeal.
Manchester City was first charged in February 2023, while the hearing lasted 42 days towards the end of 2024.
The verdict represents a significant new chapter in the lengthy dispute between Manchester City and the Premier League.