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Guardiola breaks silence after Manchester City financial verdict
30th September, 2026 04:21 PM
Former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has spoken publicly following the club’s guilty verdict over breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations, insisting that his commitment to the club remains unchanged.
Guardiola stepped down as City manager during the summer but continued his association with the club as a technical adviser and global ambassador.
His comments came shortly after the Premier League on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, confirmed that an independent commission had ruled against City on all charges concerning serious financial breaches.
Manchester City subsequently rejected the findings and said it had “irrefutable evidence” to support its position, with the club confirming that it intends to appeal.
Guardiola’s message
Guardiola, 55, then issued a message to City supporters via Instagram on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, making it clear that he remains firmly behind the club.
“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,” he said.
“Let me be clear: we will get through this together. I love you all.”
The Premier League commission found City guilty of all charges concerning serious financial-rule violations during a nine-season period and also ruled against the club on most of the allegations relating to its cooperation with the league’s investigation.
The case covers the period from 2009 to 2018, with Guardiola taking charge at the Etihad in 2016.
City were also found to have overstated revenue by more than £900 million through what the commission described as “sham” contracts and commercial arrangements that were supplemented by the club’s Abu Dhabi-based owners.
Manchester City has rejected the findings and is preparing to challenge the decision through an appeal.
Guardiola has overseen one of the most successful periods in City’s history. During his tenure, the club won four consecutive Premier League titles, recorded a 100-point league campaign and secured the Champions League as part of a historic treble.
The Spaniard collected 17 major trophies during his time in charge at the Etihad.
The outcome of City’s appeal could determine the next stage of a case that has remained one of the most significant financial disputes in Premier League history.
