Rodri insists City are 'innocent' as Spain press conference cut short after guilty verdict

Rodri has publicly backed Manchester City despite the club being found guilty of 114 of the 115 Premier League financial charges brought against them, with Spain’s press conference cut short after the Ballon d’Or winner made his position clear.

The verdict, which emerged on Friday, found City in breach of Premier League financial rules on 114 counts. The club now face a range of potential sanctions, from fines to points deductions to relegation from the top flight, and are understood to be appealing the decision.

Rodri, who left City for Barcelona last summer, was asked about the ruling at a Spain media briefing ahead of their UEFA Nations League fixture against England on Saturday. “I believe in the justice system and I believe in the innocence of the club,” he said. After reporters pressed him further on the matter, Spain’s media officer stepped in and brought the press conference to a close.

The scale of the charges against City represents one of the most significant disciplinary cases in English football history. The Premier League launched its investigation following years of scrutiny over the club’s financial conduct, and the independent panel’s findings cover alleged breaches spanning more than a decade.

City’s appeal means the question of punishment remains unresolved, with the full range of sanctions — including the most severe outcome of relegation — still theoretically on the table. The timeline for any appeal hearing has not yet been confirmed.