Pep Guardiola responds to Man City verdict with message to fans

Source: operations@newsimages.co.uk/DepositphotosPep Guardiola has broken his silence after Manchester City were found guilty of serious breaches of Premier League financial rules, sending a message of support to the club and its supporters. The former City manager made clear that he remains firmly behind the organization despite leaving his position at the end of the 2025–26 season.

>Guardiola posted his response on social media on Wednesday, one day after the independent commission’s findings were published. He addressed City supporters directly while also expressing his backing for the club’s owners, leadership, players and current manager Enzo Maresca.

>Manchester City continues to deny wrongdoing, and the Premier League confirmed on Oct. 2 that the club had appealed the commission’s decision. The Premier League has also said sanctions will be addressed separately in a further hearing with the independent commission, meaning the disciplinary process remains ongoing.

Guardiola makes support for City clearGuardiola’s first public response came in the form of a message directed to Manchester City fans around the world. He said he was with the club “more than ever” and reiterated his support for its ownership, chairman, chief executive, players, staff, and supporters.

>The former manager also specifically mentioned Maresca, who succeeded him after Guardiola’s decade-long spell in charge ended in May. His message therefore extended beyond the club’s leadership to include the current team and coaching staff.

>Guardiola ended his statement with a message of unity, saying the club would get through the situation together. He also expressed his affection for the supporters, making clear that his relationship with City remains strong despite his departure from the dugout.

Source: operations@newsimages.co.uk/DepositphotosCity was found guilty TuesdayThe independent commission found Manchester City guilty of all charges relating to serious breaches of Premier League financial rules during a nine-season period from 2009/10 through 2017/18. It also upheld most of the allegations concerning the club’s failure to cooperate with the league’s investigation; 3 of the 4 alleged breaches of cooperation were upheld.

>According to the Premier League’s published summary, the commission found that City had used “sham” commercial contracts as part of a disguised funding scheme. The commission concluded that those arrangements artificially inflated the club’s revenue by about £830 million and reduced its costs, while the club also submitted misstated accounts.

>The commission further found that City significantly breached both Premier League and UEFA spending limits during the period under examination. It said the club had broken well over 100 Premier League regulations.

Guardiola managed City during investigationGuardiola was Manchester City’s manager from 2016 until the end of the 2025–26 season, meaning part of his tenure fell within the period covered by the financial investigation. He inherited a club already operating under the ownership structure examined in the case.

>During his decade in charge, Guardiola led City to six Premier League titles, including four consecutive championships. His teams also won three FA Cups, five League Cups, and the Champions League. Guardiola won 20 trophies in total during his time as City manager.

>The financial charges remained an ongoing issue during much of Guardiola’s time at the club. He repeatedly expressed trust in City’s ownership while the investigation continued, including comments earlier this year before he left his managerial position.

Manchester City files appeal against rulingManchester City rejected the commission’s findings, and the Premier League confirmed on Oct. 2 that the club had appealed the decision. The club lodged its appeal under the Premier League’s disciplinary process.

>Chief executive Ferran Soriano also addressed the club’s staff after the verdict and rejected the commission’s conclusions. City continues to deny wrongdoing and is challenging the ruling through the available appeals process.

>The findings therefore remain subject to appeal. The challenge will be heard by a three-member Appeal Board appointed under Premier League rules, which has broad discretion to allow or dismiss the appeal or make another order, including varying the commission’s decision.

Sanctions have yet to be decidedThe independent commission’s findings establish liability, but Manchester City’s eventual punishment has not yet been announced. The Premier League says sanctions will be considered at a separate hearing before the independent commission.

>Potential sporting and financial penalties under the league’s rules can include fines, points deductions, and other sanctions. The available options may also include expulsion from the Premier League, although no specific punishment has been imposed or confirmed.

>The possibility of a severe sporting penalty has generated significant discussion around English football, but no final sanction has been imposed at this stage. The Premier League has said it wants the remaining process to move forward as quickly as possible.

Guardiola remains connected with CitySource: operations@newsimages.co.uk/DepositphotosAlthough Guardiola is no longer Manchester City’s manager, his relationship with the organization has not completely ended. Following his departure, City confirmed that he would continue working with City Football Group as a global ambassador.

>That role includes technical advice, specific projects, and collaborations across the wider City Football Group structure. His latest message, therefore, comes from someone who remains connected to the organization even after stepping away from day-to-day management.

>Guardiola’s decade at City also means the verdict directly affects the historical period in which he managed the club. His public response shows that, despite the ruling, he continues to identify closely with the club and its people.

>Fun fact: Guardiola managed 593 matches in all competitions during his City tenure, winning 416 of them.

City now faces uncertain next stepsThe Premier League confirmed on Oct. 2 that Manchester City had appealed the independent commission’s decision. The appeal will be heard by an independent Appeal Board, while the Premier League says the proceedings will remain private and confidential until publication of the outcome is permitted.

>The separate sanctions process will also shape what happens next for the club. Until the disciplinary and appeal proceedings are completed, the ultimate sporting consequences of the case remain unresolved.

>For now, Guardiola has chosen to publicly stand with his former club. His message to City supporters emphasized loyalty and togetherness as Manchester City moves through the next stages of one of the most significant disciplinary cases in Premier League history.

>Fun fact: Manchester City scored a record 106 Premier League goals in Guardiola’s first title-winning season in 2017-18.

TL;DRPep Guardiola has publicly backed Manchester City after the club was found guilty of serious Premier League financial breaches. • >Guardiola said he remains behind the club’s ownership, leadership, players, staff, Enzo Maresca, and supporters. • >An independent commission found City guilty of all charges relating to serious financial-rule breaches covering nine seasons from 2009–10 to 2017–18. • >The commission also upheld most of the cooperation allegations, including 3 of the 4 alleged breaches. • >Manchester City continues to deny wrongdoing, and the Premier League confirmed on Oct. 2 that the club had appealed the commission’s findings. • >Any sanctions will be decided separately, leaving the club’s eventual sporting consequences unresolved for now. • >The appeal will be heard by a three-member Appeal Board, while possible sanctions include fines, points deductions, and other sporting penalties, potentially including expulsion from the Premier League.Read More From This Brand:

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