Former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has publicly expressed his solidarity with the club after an independent Premier League commission found City guilty of serious financial-rule breaches, declaring he stands firmly behind the players, staff, ownership, and supporters. Guardiola, who stepped down at the end of the 2025/26 season after a decade in charge, posted his reaction on social media on Wednesday, 30 September 2026.

Guardiola's Statement

In an emotional message directed at City supporters around the world, Guardiola wrote: 'I want every single Manchester City fan across the world to know I am here; more than ever. I am, always have been, always will be behind my club, my owner, my chairman, Ferran, the players, staff, Enzo [Maresca] and you, our unique supporters.'

He added: 'Let me be clear: we will get through this together. I love you all.' The post marked his first public response since the commission delivered its verdict.

What the Commission Found

The independent commission of the Premier League found Manchester City guilty of serious breaches of financial regulations spanning the 2009/10 to 2017/18 seasons. Among its key findings were allegations involving commercial agreements that the commission described as part of a disguised funding arrangement, which it said had significantly inflated the club's reported commercial revenue during that period.

This verdict concludes — at least at this stage — one of the longest-running and most consequential investigations in English football history, with charges that had been hanging over the club for several years.

City's Response and Appeal

Manchester City has firmly rejected the commission's conclusions, stating it was 'disappointed and surprised' by the findings. The club argued that the commission's opinion contained errors of law, principle, and fact, and maintained that it possesses evidence supporting its position. City confirmed it will pursue all available appeal and legal routes to challenge the verdict.

Notably, the club also asserted that it had followed due process throughout the lengthy proceedings — a point likely to form a central plank of its appeal strategy.

Guardiola's Legacy at the Etihad

Guardiola took charge of Manchester City in 2016 and oversaw one of the most dominant eras in English football. During his tenure, City won six Premier League titles, including four consecutive championships, along with three FA Cups, five League Cups, and the Champions League. The crowning achievement came in the 2022/23 season, when City completed a historic treble — winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League in the same campaign.

He was succeeded by former assistant Enzo Maresca, who now leads the club as head coach at a particularly turbulent moment in its history.

What Happens Next

With City's appeal set to proceed, the case is likely to remain unresolved for a considerable period. The sanctions — which could potentially include points deductions, financial penalties, or other punitive measures — will not be confirmed until the appeals process concludes. How English football's governing bodies respond, and whether the verdict prompts wider regulatory reform across the Premier League, will be closely watched both domestically and by European football authorities.