Juan Mata questions if he finally won the Premier League after City's 114-charge verdict

Juan Mata has become the latest former Premier League player to respond to Manchester City’s financial charges verdict, wryly suggesting the outcome could mean he is now a Premier League title winner — having spent eight years at Manchester United finishing behind City in the table.

City were found guilty of 114 of the 115 charges brought against them when the Premier League launched its case in February 2023. No sanctions have yet been determined, and the Premier League has not issued an official statement on the outcome.

“Actually, directly, it affects me,” Mata said. “I’ve been lucky enough to play enough games and win some trophies but I’ve never won the Premier League — or have I? I don’t know what’s going to happen but I think they’re right.”

The Spaniard, speaking during ITV’s coverage of England’s Nations League clash with Spain, also addressed comments made by City midfielder Rodri, who has argued that titles won on the pitch should stand. “Of course it’s fair what Rodri has said, with titles won on the pitch and I think he feels they were the better team on the pitch — but who says it’s the right thing to do?”

A City spokesperson said the Premier League process “remains ongoing, with significant elements to be completed, and subject to strict confidentiality,” adding that the club has “diligently respected due process for eight years.”

City are expected to lodge a formal appeal against the independent panel’s verdict. Under league rules, the club has 14 days from the decision to submit an appeal, which would be reviewed by a three-member panel chaired by former High Court judge Sir Gary Hickinbottom. It remains unclear whether that 14-day window has already begun.

Any appeal would delay the implementation of potential sanctions — including fines, points deductions, or other penalties. Crucially, the Premier League regards the appeal panel’s ruling as final, meaning City would not be able to refer the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. An appeal would also not constitute a full retrial, nor would it necessarily involve all evidence being reheard.

Mata played for United between 2014 and 2022, a period during which City won the Premier League title on multiple occasions.