Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed his desire for the 115 Premier League financial charges against the club to be resolved promptly.
The charges, relating to breaches of financial rules between 2009 and 2018, were brought against City in February. The club has denied any wrongdoing and claims to have compelling evidence supporting their innocence. They are eager for the matter to be concluded definitively.
In 2020, City had a two-year ban from European competitions overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas), although they were fined for obstructing the investigation.
Recent media reports suggest that the club has filed legal challenges against the charges and objected to the appointment of Murray Rosen KC, an Arsenal season-ticket holder, as the person responsible for appointing the chair of the independent commission hearing the case.
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Guardiola, speaking before a game against Brighton, expressed his hope that the Premier League and the judges could expedite the process.
He emphasized that if the club had made any mistakes, they should be acknowledged, but if City had acted in accordance with their principles, the discussions should cease. Guardiola suggested a quick resolution within 24 hours with the presence of lawyers for the benefit of all parties involved.
“Then, if we have done something wrong, everybody will know it and, if we are like we believe as a club for many years, [done things] in the right way, then the people will stop talking about it.
“We would love it tomorrow. This afternoon better than tomorrow.
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“Hopefully they are not so busy and the judges can see both sides and decide what is the best, because, in the end, I know fairly what we won we won on the pitch and we don’t have any doubts.
“Let’s go. Don’t wait two years. Why don’t we do it quicker? In 24 hours, sit down with lawyers present. Let’s have it as soon as possible for the benefit of everyone.”
While the media conference provided unexpected comments from Guardiola, City officials were not anticipating him to discuss the matter. Given the complexity of the case, the suggested timescales for a resolution are impractical.
Guardiola confirmed his commitment to the club for the next season despite the charges, but he did acknowledge uncertainty about his future beyond that, regardless of the outcome of the upcoming Champions League final.
The allegations against Manchester City revolve around allegations of falsifying accounts and artificially inflating sponsorship and commercial deals to surpass spending limits while adhering to regulatory rules.
The club is now facing an independent commission, which has the authority to impose various penalties, including fines, points deductions, or even expulsion from the Premier League. The duration of the process is unknown at this stage.
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