Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has revealed that the club expects to learn the outcome of their ongoing legal battle with the Premier League “in one month.”
The reigning Premier League champions were charged in February 2023 with over 100 breaches of financial regulations, including accusations of inflating sponsorship agreements to bypass both domestic and international financial restrictions. The club has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
An independent tribunal heard arguments from both City and the Premier League at the end of 2024, but no specific verdict date was given, though it was anticipated that a resolution would come in the first quarter of 2025.
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Guardiola has now clarified the timeline, stating, “In one month, I think there will be a verdict and a sentence. After that, we will see my opinion of what happened so far,” he told reporters on Friday, February 7.
The manager has long shown public support for the club, criticizing other teams in the league who he believes are hoping for City’s downfall. Guardiola even signed a two-year contract extension in November, which did not include a break clause in the event of relegation—one potential punishment if City is found guilty.
“My words will not convince people,” Guardiola said. “I know with this club, it is always ‘just about the money.’ But in the last five years, we’ve had the lowest net spend among the top six. Even with what we’ve spent this window, we’re still behind Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham, and even Liverpool. The only reason is that we’ve sold a lot in recent seasons.”
City spent more than any other club in the Premier League during the winter transfer window, bringing in four first-team players for a total of around £180 million. Only Chelsea in 2023 has ever spent more during a mid-season window.
Guardiola’s comments are largely accurate in terms of City’s net spending since the summer of 2020. According to Transfermarkt, City’s net spend has been £322 million, which is less than Chelsea’s £770 million, Manchester United’s £568 million, Tottenham’s £476 million, Arsenal’s £464 million, and even Newcastle United’s £351 million. Liverpool, however, has a net spend of £250 million.
