Key Takeaways:
- Pep Guardiola expressed unwavering support for Manchester City after the club was found guilty of serious breaches of Premier League financial rules
- An independent commission determined City used “sham” commercial contracts and concealed finances between the 2009/10 and 2017/18 seasons
- Manchester City have rejected the findings and stated their intention to appeal by October 2, with sanctions yet to be determined
Guardiola Reaffirms Loyalty Amid Financial Turmoil
Pep Guardiola, Manchester City’s most decorated manager, has publicly voiced his continued commitment to the club in the aftermath of a guilty verdict from an independent commission. Taking to Instagram, Guardiola posted a picture with chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak and wrote, “I want every single Manchester City fan across the world to know I am here; more than ever,” while reaffirming his support for the club’s ownership, staff, players, and fans.
His statement follows the commission’s ruling on serious breaches of Premier League financial regulations, an episode dating from the 2009/10 to 2017/18 seasons. The commission found City had orchestrated “sham” commercial deals, with Abu Dhabi United Group funds misrepresented as commercial income to inflate revenues and minimise costs, as well as filing misstated accounts and hiding the true state of the club’s finances.
I want every single @ManCity fan to know I am here; more than ever. I am, always have been, always will, be behind my club, my owner, my chairman, Ferran, the players, staff, Enzo and you, our unique supporters.
Let me be clear: we will get through this together.
I love you all… pic.twitter.com/jmMvwbykqv— PepTeam (@PepTeam) September 30, 2026
Findings and Club Response
The findings, released a day prior to Guardiola’s message, included almost all of the 115 alleged financial breaches, according to the Premier League. Three of four alleged failures by City to cooperate with the investigation were also upheld. The verdict details that City had breached both Premier League and UEFA spending limits during the period in question.
Manchester City have categorically rejected the conclusions of the commission and confirmed that they will appeal the decision, with a deadline set for October 2. The eventual sanctions and penalties will be determined in a separate process.
| Key Event | Date/Period | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Period Under Investigation | 2009/10 – 2017/18 | Misrepresentation of commercial contracts, financial records, and breaches of spending limits |
| Independent Commission Verdict | Announced day prior to Guardiola statement | Guilty of serious breach; 114 of all 115 financial breach charges upheld |
| City’s Deadline to Appeal | October 2 | Club intends to contest findings; sanctions to be determined separately |
Guardiola’s Tenure and Achievements
Guardiola, who took charge in 2016, oversaw City’s transformation into a dominant English and European force, delivering six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five League Cups, three Community Shields, the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup. His highlight was the 2022/23 season Treble, and he also led City to four consecutive league titles between 2020/21 and 2023/24, accumulating a total of 20 trophies.
Although the commission’s findings concern a period largely predating Guardiola’s arrival, a portion of his management tenure overlapped with the timeframe under scrutiny. Despite the controversy, Guardiola reiterated, “I am, always have been, always will, be behind my club. We will get through this together.”
Ongoing Proceedings and Club Stance
Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has expressed confidence that the club will ultimately prove its innocence, as City moves towards filing their appeal and awaits the determination of sanctions.
