The former coach of the English team supported the institution after an independent commission determined that it had violated the financial rules of the Premier League
In the midst of the institutional turmoil it faces after being found guilty of 115 charges against it, Manchester City received support from a familiar voice. One day after the historic ruling was announced, Pep Guardiola, who left the position this year after a decade at the helm of the team, posted a message directed at the fans and the management.
"I want every Manchester City fan to know that I am here; more than ever. I have always been, I am, and I will always be, behind my club, my owner, my president, Ferran, the players, the staff, Enzo, and you, our only fans", the Spanish coach assured on social media.
The former multi-champion coach with the English club also referred to the difficult scenario the entity is going through and appealed for unity to face what is to come. "Let me be clear: we will get through this together. I love you all", he expressed.
The post was accompanied by photographs of Guardiola alongside members of the City management, including president Khaldoon Al Mubarak and CEO Ferran Soriano.
The Premier League Ruling
Guardiola's message appeared after an independent commission of the Premier League issued its resolution regarding the accusations against Manchester City for alleged financial violations committed between the 2009/10 and 2017/18 seasons. According to the official report from the English league, the procedure determined that the club engaged in irregularities related to its income, operating costs, accounting documentation, and obligations to cooperate during the investigation.
Among the points highlighted, the tournament organization stated that the Sky Blue team used contracts with certain business partners that, according to the investigation, allowed for the artificial modification of recorded income and reduced costs reflected in their accounts. It also indicated that the institution presented incorrect financial information and did not provide certain data to the relevant bodies.
Manchester City was found guilty of 115 charges of financial irregularities
The British body also concluded that there were violations related to the economic regulations of the Premier League and UEFA. Additionally, there were accusations related to cooperation during the process: three of the four violations of this type were confirmed.
Among the measures that could be considered are financial fines, a points deduction, the loss of titles, or even expulsion from the competition. However, none of these have been confirmed and it will depend on the resolution adopted in a future hearing before the same independent commission, whose process will be private and confidential until its resolution can be made public.
For its part, the citizen team has until Friday, October 2, to appeal the ruling and will now have to undergo the corresponding process to determine the consequences of the case.
