Manchester City are “innocent until guilt is proven” insisted Pep Guardiola today ahead of the independent inquiry into their alleged breaches of financial fair play regulations starting next week.
City have been charged with 115 counts of allegedly breaking Premier League rules over a nine-year period starting in 2009.
The club have always maintained their innocence and say they have a “comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of its position.”
Guardiola has said previously he was looking forward to the matter being dealt with and he reiterated that stance today.
He said: “It starts soon and I hope it finishes soon. The independent panel will decide and we look forward to the decision.
“We are going to accept the sentence. We’ll see but we are happy it starts on Monday. I know there will be rumours about the sentences. I know what people are expecting, what I have read for many years. Everyone is innocent until guilt is proven.”
“I am not a lawyer… we are not lawyers… Erling is not a lawyer!” ⚖
Pep Guardiola’s stubborn response after being asked about the hearing beginning into Manchester City’s 115 alleged charges 🗣 pic.twitter.com/UwpJ8m0xmf
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 13, 2024
The players don’t talk about it, insists Guardiola
Guardiola says the issue has not been discussed in the dressing room, even though any potential sanction could have a major impact on the players’ careers.
He added: “I am not a lawyer. Erling [Haaland] is not a lawyer. We don’t talk about that.”
If found guilty, City, who have won the last four Premier League titles, could face a points deduction or even expulsion from the league, with the threat of rescinding previous honours won also said to be on the table.
The alleged rule breaches include not providing accurate financial information for nine separate seasons and not disclosing full details of former manager Roberto Mancini’s pay over the four seasons he was at the club from 2009 to 2013.
They also include allegedly not providing full details of players’ remuneration over six seasons between 2010 to 2016.
