Guardiola backing Man City after guilty verdicts

What the report says

Pep Guardiola has publicly backed Manchester City’s ownership and leadership after the club was found guilty of multiple breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules, according to the report. The commission’s findings said City used “sham contracts” with commercial partners to disguise more than £830 million in secret funding. The verdict covers alleged breaches across the 2009-10 to 2017-18 seasons, along with most of the charges tied to failure to cooperate with the investigation.

Guardiola, who managed City from 2016 until last summer, said he would stand by the club and its supporters through the dispute. In a social media message, he told fans he remained behind the club, its owners, chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak, football chief Ferran Soriano and the current coaching setup. City continue to deny wrongdoing and have said they remain confident of proving their innocence.

The case has renewed debate over the legacy of City’s recent success and the wider impact on English football. Guardiola won six Premier League titles with the club, including four in a row, plus the Champions League and domestic cups. Former player Micah Richards and ex-Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher also reacted strongly, with both highlighting the uncertainty and reputational damage created by the ruling. The club has until 2 October to appeal.