Guardiola backs Manchester City to clear their name after 114 financial rule breaches

Pep Guardiola has broken his silence on Manchester City’s financial misconduct verdict, pledging his full support to the club after they were found guilty of breaching 114 Premier League financial rules. The Spaniard, who left City at the end of last season after a decade in charge, posted a personal message to fans backing the club to come through the crisis.

“I want every single Man City fan to know I am here; more than ever,” Guardiola wrote on social media. “I am, always have been, always will, be behind my club, my owner, my chairman, Ferran [Soriano], the players, staff, Enzo [Maresca] and you, our unique supporters. Let me be clear: we will get through this together. I love you all.”

City continue to strongly deny the charges and maintain they will prove their innocence, despite the guilty verdict handed down by an independent commission. The case, which centred on alleged financial rule violations spanning several years, represents one of the most significant disciplinary proceedings in Premier League history.

Guardiola’s message is notable given that he departed the club in the summer after 10 years as manager — a tenure that yielded six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups, and the 2023 Champions League. His successor, Enzo Maresca, is now navigating the club’s response to the verdict on the pitch.

The scale of the punishment City may face has yet to be determined, with sanctions still to be confirmed following the commission’s findings.