Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has dismissed any potential impact of the upcoming verdict on the club’s alleged financial breaches on the team’s performance. City faces a long-awaited verdict in the coming months after being charged by the Premier League in February 2023 with 115 counts of financial misconduct since their acquisition by City Football Group, owned by the Abu Dhabi United Group. The charges could result in severe penalties, such as point deductions or even relegation, if found guilty.
Last season, Nottingham Forest and Everton were both docked points for breaching the league’s profit and sustainability rules. However, City vehemently denies the charges and is actively contesting them. An independent commission is currently reviewing the allegations, which date back to 2009.
While the case hangs over the club, Guardiola has reiterated City’s commitment to accepting the verdict. The Times of London reports that a hearing in the case is scheduled to commence next month, with a decision expected early next year. “I am happy it starts soon and hopefully it finishes soon for the benefit of all of us,” Guardiola told reporters. “Especially for the club, but for all the other Premier League clubs, like for all the people that don’t wait for the sentence. I wish from deep in my heart to go to the trial, the independent panel – and I say it again, independent panel – and as soon as possible release what happened, and we will accept like always we have done.”
Despite the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the financial probe, City managed to secure a record fourth consecutive Premier League title last season, further adding to their impressive achievements by winning the treble in the 2022-23 season. When asked about the potential influence of the case on his team, Guardiola confidently stated, “No, we have been three or four years talking about that. We know it is going to happen, we accept it and focus on our matches.”
