Pep Guardiola ‘happy’ that Manchester City hearing will begin soon

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed his satisfaction that the hearing into the club’s alleged financial breaches will commence soon. The Premier League has charged Manchester City with over 100 violations of its financial regulations, stemming from a four-year investigation that concluded in February 2023.

The charges allege that Manchester City failed to provide accurate financial information from the 2009-10 season through the 2017-18 season. Additionally, the club is accused of non-compliance with UEFA’s Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations between the 2013-14 and 2017-18 seasons, as well as breaching Premier League rules on profit and sustainability from 2015-16 to 2017-18. Potential consequences if found guilty include points deductions, substantial fines, or even expulsion from the league, as detailed in the Premier League’s handbook.

The hearing is set to begin on Monday and is anticipated to last approximately 10 weeks, according to various media reports. Speaking at a press conference ahead of Manchester City’s match against Brentford, Guardiola conveyed his optimism about the proceedings. “I am happy that it starts on Monday,” he remarked. “I am aware that new rumors and expert opinions will emerge about the possible outcomes. We will see how it unfolds. I understand the public’s anticipation and what is expected of us.”

Guardiola emphasized the principle of innocence until proven guilty, stating, “An independent panel will decide, and I am eager to see the outcome.”

The Premier League has faced criticism for the delay in initiating the hearing. In May 2023, Guardiola had voiced his frustration, saying, “I wish the Premier League or the judges could make a decision as quickly as possible. If we have done something wrong, it should be made clear.”

He added, “I hope the judges are not too overwhelmed and can review the case thoroughly to make a fair decision. We have earned our achievements on the pitch and believe they are well-deserved.” Manchester City Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak also expressed frustration over the protracted process, which he felt detracted from the club’s accomplishments. Following City’s historic treble win earlier in 2023, Al Mubarak remarked, “It’s very frustrating because it overshadows the remarkable work happening within the club, not just on the football field.”

Neither Manchester City nor the Premier League has commented on the upcoming hearing . Premier League CEO Richard Masters acknowledged the need for resolution in a statement to the BBC, asserting that it is “important the situation resolves itself” and that “it is evident the case needs to be heard.”

In 2020, Manchester City faced a two-season ban from European competitions for “serious breaches” of FFP regulations. This ban was subsequently overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which also reduced the accompanying $34 million fine to $11.3 million, citing City’s lack of cooperation with UEFA.

The upcoming hearing on the more than 100 alleged breaches is not the only ongoing dispute between Manchester City and the Premier League. In June 2024, City initiated legal action regarding the Premier League’s Associated Party Transaction rules. These rules mandate that commercial and sponsorship deals involving companies linked to the club’s owners be independently assessed by the league.

As the hearing approaches, all eyes will be on Manchester City and the Premier League, waiting to see how this high-profile case unfolds and what impact it may have on the club’s future and the broader football community.