Arteta's conscience clear over Man City charges

What the report says

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said his conscience is clear over Manchester City’s Premier League rule breaches, speaking publicly for the first time since the independent commission’s findings. Arteta was assistant manager at City from 2016 to 2019, a period that overlapped with the nine-season span covered by the case. The commission found the club had broken rules and disguised funding through commercial arrangements, and City have appealed the decision.

At a news conference at Arsenal’s training ground, Arteta repeatedly declined to discuss the details of the case, saying he wanted to respect the ongoing process and would not comment further until it is resolved. He did, however, give a direct one-word answer when asked whether his conscience was clear. He also would not say whether he had spoken to Pep Guardiola about the matter.

The BBC reported that Arteta kept a cautious line throughout, avoiding speculation about possible timing or sanctions and stressing that the issue should be handled through the proper process. The comments come as Arsenal prepare to face Leeds in the Premier League, with the club three points behind Manchester City. The broader significance is that the case continues to cast a shadow over the league while the appeal is still under way.