“We will get through this together” — Guardiola backs City

MANCHESTER — Former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has publicly reaffirmed his support for the club after an independent Premier League commission found City guilty of serious breaches of the competition’s financial rules.

Guardiola, who left his managerial position earlier this year after a decade at the club, said he remains behind Manchester City’s ownership, leadership, players, staff and supporters.

“I am here; more than ever,” Guardiola said in a message to City supporters. He added that the club would “get through this together.”

The independent commission found that Manchester City breached financial regulations during a nine-season period from 2009/10 to 2017/18. Among its findings were that the club used commercial agreements that artificially increased reported revenues and reduced costs, while also misstating financial information.

Manchester City has rejected the findings and said it intends to appeal. The club has maintained that it has evidence supporting its position and has described the decision as containing significant errors of fact and law.

The sanctions resulting from the verdict have not yet been announced. The Premier League says a separate process will determine the appropriate punishment, while City has until October 2, 2026, to lodge an appeal against the findings.

Guardiola’s intervention comes as the club enters another stage of the long-running case. During his time as City manager, he repeatedly expressed confidence in the club’s leadership and said he trusted the explanations he had received from officials.

The verdict therefore leaves Manchester City facing both a legal appeal and a forthcoming sanctions process, while Guardiola has made clear that his relationship with the club remains strong.