Key Takeaways:
- Pep Guardiola has confirmed he will attend Manchester City’s Champions League fixture at the Etihad Stadium against Paris Saint-Germain next Wednesday
- Guardiola’s show of solidarity comes after the club was found guilty by an independent three-man panel, with the public verdict revealing detailed findings
- Manchester City have lodged a formal appeal, maintaining their claim of innocence and highlighting what they describe as “clear material errors” in the commission’s judgement
Guardiola’s Public Return and Support
Pep Guardiola is set to return to the Etihad Stadium next Wednesday, publicly reaffirming his backing for Manchester City following the club’s recent guilty verdict. Having departed the club during the summer after ten years as manager, Guardiola will attend City’s upcoming home Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain. His appearance marks the first time he will be present at a City fixture since an independent three-man panel announced their findings.
Pep Guardiola is reportedly set to 𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙣 to Manchester City at the Etihad this week for their UCL clash with PSG 🔙🏡
It will be their first home game since the guilty verdict… and comes after he released a statement saying he will always be backing the Citizens 👀 https://t.co/XfEqHjI4nh
— LiveScore (@livescore) October 8, 2026
Previously, Guardiola had suggested he would speak out regarding the situation only upon delivery of the verdict, stating he would do so “if he could be found.” He addressed the news on social media a day after the outcome became public:
“I want every single 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.”
Club Under Scrutiny in Wake of Panel Decision
Guardiola, who had intentionally kept a low profile to enable his successor Enzo Maresca a clear path, has seen his own reputation come under increased scrutiny since the panel announced the club’s guilt. City face their first match since the international break with a visit to Liverpool on Sunday, prior to hosting PSG three days later. Anticipation is high for a charged atmosphere at both matches: Liverpool fans are expected to stage protests, while Manchester City supporters are set to rally in defence of their club.
Manchester City’s Response and Formal Appeal
Maintaining their consistent defence of innocence, Manchester City have responded to the release of a comprehensive 40-page judgement from the independent commission through official channels. Club chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has reached out via an open letter, and CEO Ferran Soriano has addressed personnel in a video message. Last week, the club formally lodged an appeal, disputing the commission’s ruling.
Manchester City’s official statement reads:
“Manchester City Football Club can confirm that at 7pm on Thursday 1st October 2026 the Club lodged its comprehensive Appeal against the opinion of the Premier League Commission, in relation to the Premier League disciplinary matter.
“The Club’s firm position is that, on multiple grounds, the opinion contains clear material errors, of law, principle and fact and is unsafe. The Club is innocent of the accusations made by the Premier League and a comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence exists in support of all of its positions, relating to this case. We will continue to respect due process and are necessarily restricted in what we can say further until all proceedings are complete.”
