Roberto Mancini has distanced himself from Manchester City's alleged misconduct after the club were found guilty of violating the Premier League's financial rules. City, who strongly deny the allegations, have been found guilty on 114 of 115 charges initially brought against them in 2023.
Mancini's response to the verdict
City's alleged violations are said to have started in 2009, coinciding with Mancini's appointment, and continued until 2018. Among the accusations directed at City are alleged undisclosed payments made to Mancini. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Italian reportedly received income from a secondary contract alongside a separate arrangement with Abu Dhabi club Al Jazira, controlled by City chief Sheikh Mansour, valued at £1.7million for a minimum of four days' consultancy annually.
Mancini, though, maintains he remains unconcerned about the accusations and holds a contrasting view on the ruling. "I don't think Manchester City were found guilty, quite the opposite," the Italy boss stated. "It's not a problem that concerns me, and it isn't anything new. Manchester City are not guilty, and on the double contract it isn't my problem, theirs if anything."
Chairman's confidence in appeal
Mancini was addressing the media prior to Monday's Nations League fixture against Turkey. The 61-year-old recently commenced his second tenure as Italy manager. On Saturday, City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak told fans that he remains confident of proving the club's innocence.
In a letter to supporters, Al Mubarak wrote: "Following Friday's media reporting, many of you will have spent your evening answering questions and responding to messages from friends, family and colleagues. So have I. Here's what I said to my family: The Premier League process still has a long way to run, and our confidence and intent in proving the Club's innocence is just as strong as when this began."
"There are so many things that I would like to be able to share with you to help you understand why we feel so confident in our position. But the strict confidentiality of the legal process and our determination to respect it means I cannot do that at the moment. Even this letter underwent several legal checks to make sure it complies."
Club's stance amid pressure
Al Mubarak added: "I ask you to please carefully read the statement below, which we gave on Friday, and the statement we issued in February 2023. Every word matters and holds true. While some people have been quick to reach their own conclusions, and there is so much noise swirling around us, nothing has changed. We have faced challenges together before and have prevailed. There remain many who want to undermine the momentum of our Club. We will not give them that opportunity."
