Guardiola Ready to Accept Verdict on 115 Alleged Rule Breaches

Guardiola Ready to Accept Verdict on 115 Alleged Rule Breaches

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has affirmed that the club will fully accept the verdict from the independent commission regarding the 115 alleged breaches of financial regulations brought by the Premier League. These charges, which City has consistently denied, date back to 2009 and were formally presented in February 2023. The case is scheduled for a hearing this autumn.

Guardiola, eager for resolution, expressed his desire for a swift conclusion to the matter. “I am happy that it starts soon and hopefully it will finish soon,” Guardiola stated. He emphasized the importance of an independent panel handling the case and reiterated that City will accept the outcome, as they have always done with such rulings. “No effect – we have been talking about that for three or four years,” he added, indicating that the ongoing legal proceedings have not and will not affect the team’s focus on their football.

As City aims to secure their fifth consecutive Premier League title, Guardiola was questioned about the potential impact of the case on his players’ performance. However, he remained confident, asserting that the team is fully concentrated on their matches.

In other news, City announced the return of Ilkay Gündogan, who rejoined the club after a year with Barcelona. The 33-year-old midfielder, who has been instrumental in City’s recent successes, including winning five Premier League titles and the Champions League, could feature in Saturday’s match against Ipswich Town if his international clearance is confirmed. Guardiola welcomed Gündogan back but made it clear that competition for places remains fierce, stating, “He has to deliver every single day, that is why the club sustains that level on top.”

Additionally, Rodri, who missed City’s season opener against Chelsea due to injury, remains a doubt for the Ipswich match. Guardiola indicated that the midfielder’s fitness would be assessed closer to the game.