Guardiola ‘looking forward’ to start of Man City financial trial

LONDON | Xinhua |  Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola said on Friday he is “looking forward” to the start of the hearing into the 115 charges leveled against his club for breaking the Premier League’s financial fair play rules.

The trial begins at a secret location on Monday after a four-year investigation into the club’s financial affairs between 2009 and 2018, following the 2008 takeover by the Abu Dhabi United Group.

The trial is expected to last for 10 weeks with a verdict expected early in 2025, which could see the club fined, docked points or even expelled from the competition.

Asked about the trial as he spoke to the press ahead of his side’s home game against Brentford, Guardiola replied that he was “happy it’s starting on Monday,” even though he believes many are hoping for a heavy sanction for the club.

“I know there will be more rumors … We’re going to see. I know what people are looking forward to, what they expect, I know, what I read for many, many years.”

“An independent panel will decide and I am looking forward to the decision,” he said.

“Everybody is innocent until guilt is proven. So we’ll see,” added the coach, whose current contract ends at the end of June 2025.

Manchester City has strongly denied any wrongdoing, insisting the allegations are “entirely false,” and says it has a “comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence” to defend its case. ■