Pep Guardiola surprises everyone with a big Man City decision after the club’s guilty verdict – and it might just backfire!
Pep Guardiola is reportedly preparing to make a surprising decision after the verdict on Man City’s financial rule breaches from 2009 to 2018 – but it might backfire badly.
Last week, the Premier League announced that, after an independent investigation, City was found guilty of 114 out of 115 charges, mostly about breaking financial rules over nine years when they won three league titles.
The league said City used “sham” contracts to fake higher revenue and lower costs, and set up hidden funding deals worth over £830 million with commercial partners.
The commission also found City guilty of almost all charges about not cooperating, saying several important club witnesses gave false or dishonest evidence.
Despite the backlash, Guardiola plans to return to the Etihad Stadium next week for the Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain.
This move might be seen as supporting the club during a difficult time. After the verdict, Guardiola took to social media and said, “I want every single Manchester City fan around the world to know I’m here; now more than ever. I have always been and always will be with my club, owners, chairman, Ferran [Soriano], players, staff, Enzo [Maresca], and all of you, our amazing supporters. We will get through this together. I love you all.”
Of course, some fans of other teams might not like Guardiola’s decision, given the recent verdict and its possible effects on the league. His choice to attend might draw criticism.
During his time at City, Guardiola has led the team to six Premier League titles, a Champions League win, three FA Cups, and five League Cups.
City has appealed the verdict, saying they are not guilty and have strong evidence to prove it. The appeal will be heard by a three-person commission and should last no more than 12 weeks, with a decision expected within 30 days after.
If the verdict is confirmed, City could face serious penalties like suspension from the league, points deductions, replaying matches, expulsion, paying compensation to other clubs, automatic relegation, or losing titles.
If relegation happens, players could lose big bonuses and see their wages drop since most don’t have relegation clauses in their contracts.
City’s next Premier League game is against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, October 11, where they expect a very intense atmosphere.