Guardiola Vows Loyalty to Man City as Club Weighs Appeal Against Guilty Verdict

Pep Guardiola has publicly declared his unwavering support for Manchester City's ownership and leadership after an independent commission found the club guilty of breaching the Premier League's financial regulations. The former manager, who spent a decade in charge at the Etihad Stadium, stated he will "always" stand behind the club despite the damaging verdict.

The commission determined that City orchestrated what it described as "sham contracts" with multiple commercial partners. According to the findings, these arrangements were part of a broader scheme designed to conceal secret funding exceeding £830m. The Premier League confirmed that the club was found guilty of all charges related to financial rule breaches occurring between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons. City was also found guilty of all but one charge concerning failure to cooperate with the investigation.

The club has consistently denied any wrongdoing throughout the process. City now faces a deadline of 2 October to formally submit an appeal against the commission's ruling. The verdict represents one of the most significant findings against a Premier League club in the modern era, with potential ramifications extending far beyond the immediate sanctions.

Guardiola, who managed City from July 2016 until last summer, took to social media to express his solidarity with the club's hierarchy and supporters. In an emotional message, he emphasised his commitment to the club and its leadership, referencing owner Sheikh Mansour, chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak, chief executive Ferran Soriano, the playing squad, staff, current manager Enzo Maresca, and the club's global fanbase. He stated that everyone would navigate the situation together, declaring his enduring affection for the club.

The Catalan coach enjoyed extraordinary success during his tenure at City, securing six Premier League titles. His domestic dominance included a record-breaking four consecutive league championships from 2020-21 onwards. He also guided the club to its first Champions League triumph, along with three FA Cups and five League Cups, cementing his legacy as one of the most decorated managers in English football history.

Notably, Guardiola had previously addressed the charges against City in November 2024, before his departure. At that time, he stated he would remain at the club even in the event of relegation, demonstrating his deep personal investment in the project. His latest comments reinforce that position, suggesting his loyalty transcends results and on-field achievements.

The club's ownership group, the Abu Dhabi United Group, issued a statement expressing that they were "both disappointed and surprised" by the guilty verdict. Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak released a statement on Saturday reaffirming the club's confidence in eventually proving its innocence. The leadership appears determined to contest the findings through all available channels.

Further defending the club, chief executive Ferran Soriano addressed staff and players in a video message that was subsequently leaked. In his remarks, Soriano claimed that "irrefutable evidence" had been disregarded by the commission. His comments suggest that City's leadership believes the investigation and subsequent verdict were flawed, setting the stage for a potential appeal process.

The emotional impact of the verdict has resonated deeply with individuals connected to the club. Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards expressed feeling "absolutely devastated" after reviewing the Premier League's findings. Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Richards described the language used in the report as "troubling" and "damning," particularly the reference to "sham contracts."

Richards, who joined City's youth academy at the age of 14, spoke passionately about his connection to the club. He stated that he would "die for that club" and described achieving his childhood dream there. The 38-year-old explained that the verdict affects not only former players but also the loyal fanbase, who must grapple with the uncertainty and negative headlines surrounding their club.

The former defender shared a particularly poignant story about his former landlady, a long-time City supporter with whom he lived during his academy days. According to Richards, this individual called him in tears, seeking answers about the situation. He expressed frustration at being unable to provide clarity, noting that the uncertainty is heartbreaking for someone who has supported the club for over six decades.

Richards acknowledged the complexity of the situation, describing a mixture of sadness, anger, and confusion. He noted that while the Premier League's findings appear damning, the club has its own version of events that must also be considered. This duality reflects the broader tension between the league's regulatory authority and City's insistence on their innocence.