‘I am here’: Guardiola breaks silence on Premier League charges against Man City

Former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has spoken about the club being found guilty of a majority of Premier League charges.

City face an uncertain future after being found guilty of more than 100 breaches of Premier League financial rules.

The Abu Dhabi-backed club were found to have arranged “sham” deals to artificially inflate revenues and reduce costs by more than £900 million ($1.2 billion) between 2009 and 2018.

In doing so, they concealed the true state of their finances and avoided breaching Premier League and UEFA spending limits during a period in which they won three league titles.

An independent commission found the club guilty on all charges related to breaches of financial rules over the nine-year period.

They have also been found guilty of most of the charges they faced in relation to a failure to cooperate with a Premier League investigation.

Speaking via a statement on Wednesday, Guardiola expressed confidence that City will emerge stronger amid the ongoing case.

Guardiola, who left City at the end of last season after 10 years at Etihad, declared his commitment to the club, its leadership, players, and fans, adding that everyone would face the challenge together.

He said his loyalty to the club remained unchanged, pledging his support for the club’s owners, chairman, players, coaching staff, and supporters.

Guardiola urged fans to remain united as the club continues to deal with the case, expressing confidence that City would overcome the situation.

Man City chairman speaks on 115 Premier League charges against club

Guardiola stated: “I want every single Man City 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, the players, staff, Enzo and you, our unique supporters”.

“Let me be clear: we will get through this together”.

“I love you all.”

City, who continue to deny any wrongdoing, have vowed to appeal and have until Friday to do so.

The ruling has sent shockwaves through English football and cast doubt over the future of a club that has become a European giant.

The likely punishment is uncertain, but according to Premier League rules, City could face a substantial points deduction, a fine or even expulsion from the top division.

Everton and Nottingham Forest were handed points deductions in the 2023/24 season for single breaches of financial sustainability rules.

On that basis, City would likely face relegation given the sheer weight of the case against them.