Guardiola backing Man City after guilty verdicts

Former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed unwavering support for the club and its leadership following a guilty verdict from an independent commission. The commission found City guilty of arranging "sham contracts" with commercial partners as part of a scheme to disguise secret funding of over £830 million, spanning the 2009-10 to 2017-18 seasons.

City has also been found guilty of failing to cooperate in the investigation, though one charge was dismissed. The club maintains its innocence and has until October 2nd to appeal the decision. Guardiola, who managed City from 2016 to 2025, stated that he will always be behind the club, its owners, and its supporters. Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards expressed his devastation over the findings, describing the reports as "damning" and feeling the uncertainty and distress the club and its fans have to endure.

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher criticized City's actions, suggesting the club's hierarchy are "gaslighting" the situation and questioning the validity of City's titles.