Pep Guardiola has expressed steadfast support for Manchester City following the club’s guilty verdict on charges of breaching Premier League financial regulations over a nine-year span. The decision, handed down by an independent commission, found the club culpable on all counts, prompting City to announce plans to appeal the ruling before the Friday deadline.

Guardiola, who concluded a trophy-rich decade at Manchester City over the summer, was at the helm during the initial years covered by the investigation. Though no longer managing the team, the Spanish coach emphasized his ongoing loyalty to the club, its ownership, and staff in a message to supporters. “I want every single Manchester City fan across the world to know I am here; more than ever,” he wrote on social media. “I am, always have been, always will be behind my club, my owner, my chairman, Ferran [Soriano], the players, staff, Enzo [Maresca], and you, our unique supporters. Let me be clear: we will get through this together. I love you all.”

During his tenure, Guardiola led City to 20 major trophies and frequently addressed the financial allegations that loomed over much of his time at the club. Since the charges were first lodged in February 2023, the coach maintained confidence in the club’s ownership, which is based in Abu Dhabi, stating in May, “I trust them. I spoke with them and trust how they behave and how they did.”

Following his departure as head coach, Guardiola was appointed as a global ambassador for City Football Group. In this role, he is expected to provide technical guidance and contribute to collaborative projects across the group’s network of clubs.

The fallout from the verdict has elicited strong reactions from former club officials. David Bernstein, who served as Manchester City chairman from 1998 to 2003, condemned the situation as “beyond awful” and called for the current board to resign. Bernstein argued that club directors, including Chief Executive Ferran Soriano, share responsibility for the breaches and questioned their continued leadership viability. “If this was a public company of some sort, the directors would have to stand down or be suspended pending the outcome of all this, appeal or no appeal,” Bernstein said. “I don’t think the present management can credibly continue.”

Manchester City has publicly denied the allegations and remains committed to challenging the commission’s findings through the appeals process. The case marks a significant moment in Premier League governance, with far-reaching implications for the club and its leadership.