Pep Guardiola Backs Manchester City After Financial Breach Verdict

Posted : 30 September 2026

Former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has publicly backed the club, its ownership and leadership following an independent commission’s ruling that City breached the Premier League’s financial regulations.

Guardiola, who left the club at the end of the 2025-26 season after nearly a decade in charge, said he remains firmly behind City and its supporters. In a message posted on social media, he expressed his belief that the club would overcome the situation.

The Premier League confirmed that an independent commission found City guilty of all charges relating to serious financial breaches covering the 2009-10 through 2017-18 seasons. The commission also upheld three of four charges concerning the club’s failure to cooperate with the league’s investigation.

According to the commission’s findings, City used what were described as “sham” commercial agreements with several partners to artificially increase reported revenues and reduce costs. The league said the arrangements involved funding from Abu Dhabi United Group Investment & Development Ltd, the club’s owner at the time.

City have rejected the findings and continue to maintain that they are innocent of the accusations. Chief executive Ferran Soriano has also disputed the commission’s conclusions, while the club has confirmed that it intends to appeal. City have until October 2 to submit their appeal.

Guardiola spent 10 seasons managing Manchester City and guided the club to six Premier League titles, including four consecutive championships, as well as the Champions League, three FA Cups and five League Cups.

His tenure began in 2016, meaning only part of his managerial period falls within the seasons covered by the financial case. The charges relate primarily to the period from 2009-10 to 2017-18.

The commission’s findings do not yet determine the punishment City will receive. A separate process will establish any sanctions, while the club’s appeal could affect the eventual outcome.

Guardiola had previously said he trusted City's leadership when discussing the case during his final seasons at the club. His latest message represents his first public response since the commission’s verdict was officially announced.

Pep Guardiola Backs Manchester City After Financial Breach Verdict

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