Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed a desire for the 115 Premier League financial charges against the club to be resolved “as soon as possible.”
Manchester City was charged in February with violating the league’s financial rules between 2009 and 2018. They have also been accused of non-cooperation since the investigation began in December 2018.
The club vehemently denies any financial wrongdoing and maintains its innocence, citing a “body of irrefutable evidence.” They eagerly await the final resolution of the matter, hoping to put it to rest once and for all.
In 2020, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) overturned City’s two-year suspension from European competitions for violating UEFA’s Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations. City, on the other hand, was fined ten million euros (£8.67 million) for obstructing the investigation.
While initially indicating a willingness to follow the Premier League’s due process, the club has remained silent in the face of recent media reports claiming that they have filed legal challenges to the charges and objected to the appointment of Murray Rosen KC as the person in charge of appointing the chair of the independent committee overseeing the case. The objection is based on Rosen’s ownership of an Arsenal season ticket.
Guardiola, who has led the club to five Premier League titles in six seasons, including three consecutive victories, stressed the importance of quick action ahead of the game against Brighton. “What I would like is for the Premier League and the judges to do something as soon as possible,” he said.
“Then, if we have done something wrong, everyone will know it, and if we are, as we have believed as a club for many years, doing things correctly, people will stop talking about it,” he continued.
Guardiola expressed his desire for a quick resolution, saying, “We would love it tomorrow.” This afternoon is preferable to tomorrow. Hopefully, they will not be as busy, and the judges will be able to see both sides and decide what is best because, in the end, I know fairly what we won; we won on the pitch, and we have no doubts. Let’s get started. Don’t put it off for another two years. Why don’t we do it right away? Set a meeting with lawyers in 24 hours. Let’s get it done as soon as possible for the benefit of everyone.”
Although city officials did not anticipate Guardiola addressing the issue during his press conference, it is clear that achieving the desired timeframes is unrealistic given the complexity of the case.
With the FA Cup and Champions League finals scheduled for the following month, Guardiola’s team has the chance to complete a treble. Only Manchester United achieved this feat in English football in 1998-99.
Despite the unresolved charges, the Catalan manager, who is under contract until 2025, reaffirmed his commitment to the club. “I will stay next season as long as there are 110 breaches against us,” he said. Don’t worry; we will be there.”
However, he expressed uncertainty about his reaction if his team won the Champions League against Inter Milan on June 10, which would be his third victory in the competition. Guardiola stated, “Right now, I am not thinking about leaving, but who knows?” I’d like to stay here for the next season regardless of the outcome. I’m not sure how it will feel to win or lose, but I know I have a contract and I want to respect the club.”
Manchester City won the Premier League for the seventh time since the Abu Dhabi United Group took over in 2008. The allegations against the club centre on the alleged falsification of accounts and the artificial inflation of sponsorship and commercial deals over a number of years, allowing them to spend more while staying within UEFA and Premier League regulations.
Main Image: Manchester City FC
