- Pep Guardiola anticipates the result of Manchester City’s hearing over alleged financial breaches
- Guardiola urges patience, saying "justice will be served" by the independent panel
- Javier Tebas, La Liga president, claims other Premier League clubs want City punished
As the football world watches closely, Pep Guardiola has spoken out ahead of Manchester City’s crucial hearing regarding 115 alleged financial breaches. The hearing, which begins on Monday, follows years of investigations into claims of financial misconduct between 2009 and 2018. Guardiola has expressed his confidence in the process, urging everyone to “wait for the independent panel” to deliver its verdict.
The charges against City are vast, covering accusations of failing to provide accurate financial information, improper disclosure of player and manager payments, breaching UEFA’s financial fair play (FFP) rules, and non-cooperation with the Premier League’s investigation. City has maintained its innocence throughout the investigation, emphasizing that they have “irrefutable evidence” to clear their name.
While many are speculating about the consequences should City be found guilty, including points deductions, hefty fines, or even relegation, a final decision isn’t expected until after the 2024/25 season. This extended timeline leaves room for appeals and further legal battles, ensuring that the issue will loom over the club for some time.
Earlier this week, La Liga president Javier Tebas stirred the pot by stating that many of City’s Premier League rivals are hoping for the club to face punishment.
Tebas remarked, “I have spoken with many Premier League clubs and most of them understand that City should be sanctioned.”
Guardiola responded to these comments in his usual manner, claiming to agree with Tebas for once.
“For the fact that all the Premier League teams want us to be sanctioned, that is for sure, I agree with Tebas for the first time, and hopefully the last,” he said with a touch of sarcasm.
In contrast to the growing tension surrounding the case, Guardiola remains calm at the moment and trusts the process. He stated that the club would fully cooperate with the legal process and urged everyone to wait for the independent panel’s decision.
“Justice is there in a modern democracy, so yeah, wait for the decision,” he stated.
With many opinions circulating, Guardiola reminded fans and pundits alike that City has been in this position before, referring to their previous case with UEFA, which ended in a favourable ruling.
As City prepares for their Premier League fixture against Brentford, Guardiola reiterated that the case is not a topic of discussion within the team.
“We’re going to wait and see. We are not lawyers. Erling Haaland is not a lawyer, so we didn’t talk about it. What is going to happen is with the independent panel, and we will accept the sentence.”
Conclusively, Pep Guardiola remains focused on Manchester City’s on-pitch performance while allowing the legal process to take its course.
Community Shield Preview: 3 things to note as Man United take on Man City in derby final
Previously, TheRadar reported that Manchester United would aim to achieve another significant victory over Manchester City as the FA Cup winners seek additional silverware.
The 117th FA Community Shield would feature a rematch of May’s FA Cup final, pitting Manchester City against Manchester United in a Manchester derby with significant implications.
