Pep Guardiola makes shock Man City decision after guilty verdict that could spectacularly backfire
Pep Guardiola is reportedly set to make a surprise decision in the wake of the verdict on Man City’s breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules between 2009 and 2018 – and it may seriously backfire.
Last week, the Premier League confirmed that, after an independent commission’s hearing, City had been found guilty of 114 of the 115 charges, mostly relating to financial rule breaches over a nine-year period in which they won three league titles.
In a strong statement, the league revealed that City had used “sham” contracts to inflate revenue figures and reduce costs while also arranging disguised funding schemes worth more than £830million with commercial partners.
Pep Guardiola makes surprise decision after Man City guilty verdict
The commission’s verdicts also found City guilty of all but one charge relating to non-cooperation, saying that “a number of important club witnesses gave false evidence in key respects and that some knowingly gave untrue and dishonest evidence”.
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And despite the backlash, Guardiola is set to return to the Etihad for next week’s Champions League group-stage clash against Paris Saint-Germain.
The decision may be interpreted as a show of support for the under-fire club after the Spaniard took to social media in the days after the verdict was announced.
"I want every single Manchester City fan across the world to know I am here; more than ever," he posted on social media.
"I am, always have been, always will, be behind my club, my owner, my chairman, Ferran [Soriano], the players, staff, Enzo [Maresca] and you, our unique supporters.
"Let me be clear: we will get through this together. I love you all."
Of course, Guardiola’s presence may not go down well with fans of other clubs given the recent verdict and potential implications City’s actions have had on the league, with the decision to attend the match likely to come in for some criticism.
Guardiola guided City to six Premier League titles during his time at the club, as well as the Champions League, three FA Cups and five League Cups.
City maintain innocence over guilty verdict
City later appealed the verdict and maintain they are not guilty of wrongdoing and that they have a “comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists” to support their position.
The appeal will be heard by a three-person commission and is expected to last no more than 12 weeks. A result is expected within 30 days of its conclusion.
If the decision is upheld, City could face a range of punishments, from suspension from playing in the league, points deductions, the replaying of matches, expulsion from the league, being ordered to pay compensation to other clubs, automatic relegation and even the stripping of titles.
If the guilty verdict results in relegation, the players may also pay a hefty price as they would no longer be entitled to their full bonus schedule, which, in turn, would effectively see their wages slashed.
It has been reported that City’s squad do not have relegation clauses in their current contracts.
City return to Premier League action against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday (October 11), where a partisan atmosphere is expected to greet them.
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Topics: Pep Guardiola, Premier League, Football News, Transfer News
Luke Davies