Juan Mata jokes about becoming Premier League winner after Manchester City verdict
By Joel Masibo, September 27, 2026Former Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata has jokingly suggested that Manchester City’s latest legal setback could have a direct impact on his own Premier League record.
The Spanish midfielder was speaking on Saturday, September 26, 2026, after reports that an independent commission had found Manchester City guilty of 114 of the 115 financial charges brought against the club by the Premier League. Mata was speaking during ITV’s coverage of England’s Nations League clash with Spain.
Mata spent eight years at Manchester United between 2014 and 2022 and collected several trophies during his time at Old Trafford. However, the Premier League title remained one of the major honours missing from his career.
The development surrounding Manchester City prompted Mata to wonder whether that could eventually change.
Mata on Manchester City’s verdict
“Actually, directly, it affects me,” he said.
“I’ve been lucky enough to play enough games and win some trophies but I’ve never won the Premier League – or have I? I don’t know what’s going to happen but I think they’re right. Of course it’s fair what Rodri has said, with titles won on the pitch and I think he feels they were the better team on the pitch but who says it’s the right thing to do?”
Mata’s comments came amid growing uncertainty over what consequences Manchester City could face following the commission’s findings.
The Premier League brought the charges against City in February 2023 following a lengthy investigation into alleged financial breaches covering the period from 2009 to 2018.
Man City maintain their innocence
Despite the reported findings, Manchester City have continued to reject the allegations and maintain that they have not breached the rules.
The club has previously stated that it has “irrefutable evidence” to defend its position.
Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak also addressed supporters after the latest developments, insisting that the club remains determined to challenge the findings.
“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.”
City face appeal process
The commission’s decision does not necessarily mark the end of the case, with Manchester City expected to appeal the findings.
Under the Premier League’s procedures, the club has 14 days from the date of the decision to lodge an appeal.
The challenge would be considered by a separate three-member panel headed by Sir Gary Hickinbottom, a former High Court judge.
Potential sanctions remain uncertain and could include financial penalties, points deductions or other sporting consequences. There has also been discussion about whether previous titles could be affected, although the eventual punishment would depend on the appeal process and the applicable Premier League rules.
The appeal panel’s decision would be regarded as final under the league’s process, meaning the dispute would not subsequently proceed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
For Mata, however, the unfolding case has raised a tongue-in-cheek question about whether his medal collection could eventually include a Premier League winner’s medal.
Whether that becomes a reality will depend entirely on the outcome of the remaining legal and disciplinary proceedings.