Man City found guilty of 114 financial breaches as Maresca posts unwitting Instagram message

Manchester City have been found guilty of 114 of the 115 financial regulation charges brought against them by the Premier League, a verdict that sent shockwaves through English football on Friday afternoon. The club, who have repeatedly denied any misconduct, are expected to challenge the ruling after a process that has spanned three years.

The timing of the verdict coincided, apparently by pure coincidence, with a social media post from City manager Enzo Maresca. The Italian, who took over from Pep Guardiola in the summer, shared a nine-word message on Instagram roughly an hour before the news broke. Posting an image of his bare feet on grass, Maresca wrote: “Time to breathe. Time to analyse. Time to learn.” He also shared a quotation attributed to Socrates — “The only thing I know is that I know nothing” — alongside images of his home and a gathering with friends.

Maresca’s post appears entirely unconnected to the verdict. On the pitch, his start to life at the Etihad has been impressive, with City winning all five of their opening Premier League fixtures to sit top of the table.

In a statement, a City spokesperson said the club’s position remains consistent with its February 2023 statement, adding: “The Club has diligently respected due process for eight years on the basis that the Premier League Board and Executive would behave as an independent, impartial and fair-minded regulator, free from partisan influence.”

The precise sanctions City will face remain unclear. Because no club in English football history has faced such a volume of alleged breaches, there is no direct precedent to draw on. Potential penalties could include points deductions, substantial fines, and transfer bans. More severe consequences could extend to relegation from the Premier League or the stripping of titles won between 2009 and 2018, the period during which the alleged violations are said to have occurred.

The Premier League confirmed that significant elements of the process are still to be completed and that proceedings remain subject to strict confidentiality. City’s formal challenge is expected to follow in due course.