Former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has broken his silence following the club’s guilty verdict over breaches of Premier League financial regulations, publicly reaffirming his support for the club, its leadership, players and supporters.
An independent commission found Manchester City guilty of serious financial-rule breaches covering a nine-year period between 2009 and 2018. The club has rejected the findings and confirmed that it intends to appeal the decision.
Guardiola Stands Behind Manchester City..READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
Guardiola reacted to the verdict in a social media message directed at Manchester City supporters around the world.
The former coach made it clear that his departure from the Etihad has not changed his relationship with the club or his support for its ownership and current leadership.
“I want every single Manchester City fan across the world to know I am here; more than ever,” Guardiola said.
He added that he would continue to stand behind the club, its owner, chairman, chief executive Ferran Soriano, players, staff and current manager Enzo Maresca.
Guardiola ended his message by assuring supporters that they would face the situation together.
City Rejects Commission’s Findings
The guilty verdict relates to allegations concerning Manchester City’s financial activities between 2009 and 2018.
The independent commission found that the club had used what it described as sham commercial contracts and concluded that reported income had been significantly overstated during the period under investigation. The findings also included breaches relating to the club’s cooperation with the Premier League investigation.
Manchester City has continued to deny wrongdoing and has described aspects of the case as fundamentally flawed. The club has confirmed that it will appeal the ruling, with the deadline for an appeal set for October 2, 2026.
Guardiola’s Manchester City Legacy
Guardiola left Manchester City at the end of the 2025/26 season after almost a decade in charge.
During his time at the club, he won multiple domestic and European trophies, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League. He was succeeded by his former assistant Enzo Maresca.
The verdict has therefore raised questions about the possible consequences for a period in which Manchester City established itself as one of the dominant teams in English football.
Punishment Yet to Be Decided
Manchester City’s eventual punishment has not yet been announced, meaning the guilty verdict does not by itself determine what sanctions the club will face.
Possible consequences have been widely discussed, but the club’s appeal could significantly affect the eventual outcome. The appeal process will therefore be closely watched as Manchester City continues its legal challenge.
For Guardiola, however, his immediate response has been one of continued support for the club he managed for nearly 10 years.
His message signals that despite leaving the Etihad, the former City boss remains publicly aligned with the club as it prepares to challenge the verdict.
