Mancini breaks silence again on Man City's 115 charges and dual-contract claims

Roberto Mancini has again played down his connection to Manchester City’s 115 Premier League charges, saying the matter is ‘nothing new’ and ‘does not concern him’ — his first public comments on the subject since resigning as Italy head coach in 2023.

The charges, brought against City in February 2023, include allegations of a ‘failure to provide accurate financial reports for player and manager compensation between 2009 and 2018’. Mancini is among the individuals alleged to have held dual contracts — one reportedly as a consultant with City Football Group partner club Al Jazira, owned by Sheikh Mansour — which would have allowed the club to pay him more than was officially declared.

Mancini managed City from December 2009 until May 2013, when he was dismissed two days after a 1-0 FA Cup final defeat to Wigan Athletic. He was first asked about the charges at a press conference in March 2023, ahead of an England vs Italy European Championship qualifier, and said at the time: ‘I haven’t been contacted or called up by anyone. I have paid my taxes, and it’s all above board.’

Speaking on Sunday, now back in charge of the Italian national team for a second stint, Mancini reiterated that position: ‘It’s not an issue that concerns me. It’s nothing new because this matter has been discussed for the last four or five years.’

In the intervening period, Mancini resigned from the Italy role to take charge of Saudi Arabia, lasting barely 12 months before his four-year contract was ended by mutual agreement. He then managed Al-Sadd in Qatar, winning the UAE-Qatar Super Shield and the Qatar Stars League before leaving by mutual agreement this summer. Italian Football Federation president Giovanni Malago announced his return to the national team shortly after.

Mancini is not the only former City manager to have addressed the charges. His successor Manuel Pellegrini said two years ago: ‘I am sure the fans of Manchester City are really happy with the way the club works and the way they play and the trophies they have won during all these years. You always have criticism about a lot of things.’ Current manager Pep Guardiola spoke on the subject several times during earlier stages of the case but has not commented since the latest developments.