Man City block questions on 114 charges during rare Haaland interview with Nordic broadcaster

Manchester City intervened to block questions about their 114 Premier League financial charges during a pre-arranged interview with Norwegian forward Erling Haaland on Thursday, according to Viaplay sports director Kristian Oma.

Viaplay, a Premier League rights holder in the Nordic region, had informed both Manchester City and Premier League studios in advance that they intended to question Haaland on the independent commission’s ruling that found the club guilty of breaking financial rules. Oma confirmed the broadcaster was told those questions would not be permitted — and that City were not alone in this stance, with no Premier League club having allowed questions on the verdict ahead of the weekend’s fixtures.

The interview had been arranged to preview Sunday’s fixture between Manchester City and Liverpool at Anfield, a match that carries added weight following the commission’s findings. City have since appealed the ruling.

In a separate interview, Haaland addressed the broader atmosphere around the club without referencing the charges directly. “I think they [the City fans travelling to Anfield] are gonna have a good time,” he said. “We have to stick together, we have to stay with each other, and we have to stay positive. No matter what happens in life, we always have to have a smile. We have to stay positive, look ahead and try to win football games and try to enjoy the situation and win the game. We have to stick together, and we have to spread the love to each other. So yeah, stick together, enjoy the ride and smile.”

City manager Enzo Maresca faced more direct questioning at his press conference on Friday, where he was repeatedly pressed on the charges. The Italian deflected each question by reaffirming his faith in the club’s leadership.

“I understand the reason why most of you are here,” Maresca said. “The only thing I can say is there is a process ongoing and in this moment I completely trust the club. I trust the club because I trust the people. It’s the reason I joined the club. There is not another club in the world I would like to be at. I am happy and proud to be here.”

The episode highlights the tension surrounding City’s public communications strategy as the club navigates one of the most significant legal challenges in Premier League history, with their appeal against the commission’s verdict still ongoing.