Pep Guardiola has offered his full support to Manchester City after the club were found guilty of breaching all financial charges by an independent commission. The Premier League confirmed on Tuesday that City have been found guilty by an independent commission.
The panel found that City breached the regulations over nine years between 2009 and 2018, with the club originally charged in 2023. It is understood that the East Manchester side will appeal the verdict. The Blues, who have always denied any wrongdoing, now face a nervous wait for their punishment.
Possible punishments and appeal
Speculation is growing over whether City could be stripped of titles from the period they have been found to have breached top-flight rules. Relegation, a huge points deduction and possibly a fine are also on the cards, with a panel set to decide their fate - the outcome of which will depend on an appeal.
Now, Guardiola, who won the title as City manager six times, including once in 2017/18 where the club have been found in breach of the rules, has now had his say on the verdict.
Guardiola's message to fans
In a post on several social media platforms, he said: "I want every single Manchester City fan across the world to know I am here; more than ever."
"I am, always have been, always will, be behind my club, my owner, my chairman, Ferran, the players, staff, Enzo and you, our unique supporters."
"Let me be clear: we will get through this together. I love you all," followed by a blue love heart emoji.
Guardiola's legacy and previous comments
Guardiola is regarded as City's greatest-ever manager. The Catalan departed this summer following a decade at the helm. The 55-year-old had 12 months remaining on his City contract, but opted to bring the curtain down after 10 years in charge. He won six Premier League crowns, the Champions League, three FA Cups and five Carabao Cups. While he fell short in the league title race for the second consecutive season, he departed with the FA Cup and Carabao Cup in hand from the 2025/26 campaign.
Guardiola previously said in 2024 that he would stand by City, even if they were relegated, and claimed that 75 per cent of rival clubs wanted to see them go down. The ex-Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss said: "I said when all the clubs accused us of doing something wrong and people say 'what happens if we are relegated?' I will be here."
"I don't know the position they are going to bring us, the Conference? [But] next year we will come up and come up and come back to the Premier League. I knew it then, I feel it now."
City will be Liverpool's next opponents after the current international break. Both sides will face off at Anfield on October 11 (4:30pm), with Enzo Maresca's team having won every game so far this season.
