The mantra of “Be very calm” has echoed throughout Manchester City long before they faced the 115 charges from the Premier League for alleged financial breaches. City had previously triumphed in a high-profile case against UEFA at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, maintaining their innocence throughout. Their approach to these new charges remains steadfast, with the club expressing confidence in proving their innocence once again. In their only official statement regarding the charges, City declared they “welcome the opportunity” to present their “irrefutable” evidence to an independent panel.
That moment has arrived, as the much-anticipated trial, held behind closed doors, kicks off. The outcome is set to have massive implications, not only for City but for the Premier League as a whole, regardless of the final verdict.
On the eve of the trial, former City defender Aymeric Laporte shed light on the internal response when the charges were first announced. According to Laporte, both CEO Ferran Soriano and sporting director Txiki Begiristain quickly convened a meeting with players and staff to reassure them, echoing the club’s confidence in their innocence.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, Laporte revealed: “When I was there and the news broke, the sporting director [Begiristain] and the CEO [Soriano] came and told all the players and staff that we can all be very calm because not one rule has been broken by Man City.”
He added, “They reassured us that everything was fine, which is why we all believe City will be cleared. I don’t think there will be any issues. As Pep Guardiola always says, if something wrong has been done, the club will have to face the consequences.”
Guardiola himself has consistently voiced confidence in the club’s leadership, frequently reminding fans and media alike that City’s directors have assured him of their compliance with regulations. In a recent statement, Guardiola welcomed the start of the trial, expressing hope that it would bring the matter to a close swiftly.
“It starts soon and hopefully finishes soon,” Guardiola stated. “What will happen is now in the hands of the independent panel, and we will accept their judgment. I don’t discuss it, but I’m happy it’s starting on Monday.”
He emphasized the importance of the legal process, pointing out that City remains “innocent until proven guilty,” despite the intense scrutiny and speculation. “I know what people are expecting, and I’ve seen the rumors and opinions circulating for years,” Guardiola said. “But justice exists in a modern democracy, and everyone is innocent until proven otherwise.”
He also addressed the growing calls from Premier League rivals for City to face sanctions, taking a shot at La Liga president Javier Tebas, who has been vocal in his criticism of the club. “All the Premier League teams want us to be sanctioned, that’s for sure,” Guardiola remarked. “But as I’ve said to Mr. Tebas and other Premier League teams—wait for the independent panel. We believe we have done nothing wrong.”
City’s legal defense will now be tested, but with Guardiola and the club’s hierarchy maintaining their calm, the trial could be pivotal in determining both their future and the wider landscape of English football.
