Pep Guardiola will return to the Etihad Stadium next Wednesday to show public support for Manchester City following the club's guilty verdict. The Spaniard left City in the summer after a decade at the helm but will attend their next home game against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.
Guardiola breaks silence after verdict
After leaving City, Guardiola had indicated he would comment when a verdict was delivered 'if he could be found' - and he spoke on social media the day after news of the club's guilt was reported in the media. He wrote: "I want every single fan to know I am here; more than ever. I am, always have been, always will, be behind my club, my owner, my chairman, Ferran [Soriano, CEO], the players, staff, Enzo [Maresca] and you, our unique supporters. Let me be clear: we will get through this together. I love you all."
The ex-City head coach had intended to remain out of the spotlight to give his successor Enzo Maresca the optimal opportunity for success. Nevertheless, Guardiola - whose own reputation has come under scrutiny since the club's guilt was established by a three-man panel - now wishes to demonstrate public support for his employers and will therefore attend the first match at the Etihad since the announcement emerged.
Maresca's side face Liverpool before PSG clash
Maresca's side travel to Liverpool on Sunday in their first game since the extended three-week international break, before hosting PSG at the Etihad three days later. There is anticipated to be a raucous atmosphere at both matches, with Liverpool supporters expected to protest while the City faithful back their club.
Club maintains innocence and lodges appeal
City have maintained their position of innocence since the release of a damning 40-page judgement from the independent commission. Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has issued an open letter to supporters and Ferran Soriano dispatched a video message to all personnel, with an appeal lodged last week.
In a statement to confirm City's appeal, the club said: "Manchester City Football Club can confirm that at 7pm on Thursday 1st October 2026 the Club lodged its comprehensive Appeal against the opinion of the Premier League Commission, in relation to the Premier League disciplinary matter."
"The Club's firm position is that, on multiple grounds, the opinion contains clear material errors, of law, principle and fact and is unsafe. The Club is innocent of the accusations made by the Premier League and a comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence exists in support of all of its positions, relating to this case. We will continue to respect due process and are necessarily restricted in what we can say further until all proceedings are complete."
