Guardiola Fires Back at Manchester City’s Premier League Rivals Ahead of Charges Hearing
Pep Guardiola has launched a scathing attack on Manchester City’s Premier League rivals, just days before the club’s highly anticipated charges hearing. The defending champions are set to face an independent panel on Monday, following a lengthy investigation into alleged breaches of Premier League rules.
City have been accused of failing to provide accurate financial information, breaching profit and sustainability rules, and failing to cooperate with the Premier League’s investigation. The club strenuously denies all allegations and claims to have "irrefutable evidence" to support their defense.
Guardiola, speaking ahead of City’s Premier League clash with Brentford on Saturday, aimed a dig at City’s rivals, saying: "Maybe [La Liga president Javier Tebas] is right. For the fact that all the Premier League teams want us to be sanctioned, that is for sure. I agree with Tebas for the first time, and hopefully the last."
The Manchester City boss went on to say: "We believe that we have not done anything wrong, so we go to an independent panel and we are going to wait. There are many lawyers in this country and in Spain, but I wait. We’re going to wait and see. We are not lawyers. Erling [Haaland] is not a lawyer, so we didn’t talk about it. What is going to happen is with the independent panel, and we will accept the sentence."
Guardiola’s comments come after Tebas revealed that many Premier League clubs want to see City punished for their alleged wrongdoing. The La Liga president said: "I have spoken with many Premier League clubs, and most of them understand that City should be sanctioned."
The potential punishments for City if they are found guilty of all charges are severe, with relegation seen as a possibility. However, a more likely outcome would be a substantial points deduction and fine.
The hearing is set to begin on Monday, with a final verdict and any potential appeal not expected until after the 2024/25 season. As the drama unfolds, fans and pundits alike will be eagerly awaiting the outcome.
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