An independent commission has found Manchester City guilty of serious financial breaches worth more than £900 million between 2009 and 2018. The Premier League's long-running case, built around 115 charges, concluded with the commission finding City guilty of artificially inflating revenues and reducing costs. The majority of charges related to City's failure to cooperate with the probe were also found proven.
Throughout the entire process, Pep Guardiola remained one of the club's most prominent defenders. When the Premier League first announced the charges in February 2023, the then City manager stated he was "fully convinced" the club would be found innocent. Guardiola's vocal defence of Manchester City during one of English football's biggest legal battles is attracting fresh scrutiny after the damning verdict.
Investigators determined that financial arrangements at the club artificially inflated revenues and reduced costs by more than £900 million between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons. Guardiola repeatedly defended Manchester City's hierarchy during the Premier League's 115-charge investigation spanning several years. The former City manager declared he was 'fully convinced' the club would be cleared after the charges were announced.
As the independent hearing drew closer in September 2024, Guardiola reiterated his confidence in the process, saying he welcomed the panel's decision and reminded reporters that everyone was innocent until proven guilty. He even went as far as saying he would stay at the club if City were relegated as a consequence of the case. Guardiola's comments now sit uncomfortably in the public eye following the commission's findings.
City have signalled their intention to challenge the verdict, meaning the legal process is far from over. Guardiola himself is no longer part of the picture, having left Manchester City at the close of the 2025-26 season. The club must now face the next stage of proceedings without the manager who stood beside them throughout the investigation.
In May 2026, just weeks before his departure, Guardiola maintained his position, saying "I trust them. I spoke with them and trust how they behave and how they did," referring to City's leadership. City have rejected the findings and are expected to appeal. The club's future and potential penalties remain uncertain as the case continues.
The Premier League's case against Manchester City is one of English football's biggest legal battles. The verdict has significant implications for the club and the sport as a whole. Key points include:
Key points
- Manchester City found guilty of serious financial breaches worth over £900 million
- Pep Guardiola defended Manchester City throughout the 115-charge investigation
- City to appeal the verdict, with potential penalties still to be determined
