Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has publicly defended the club’s leadership following a ruling that identified the team guilty of extensive financial misconduct, marking one of the most significant scandals in Premier League history. Speaking on October 10 ahead of Manchester City’s league fixture against Liverpool at Anfield, Maresca expressed unwavering confidence in the club’s hierarchy despite the findings.

The independent panel concluded that Manchester City violated financial regulations by artificially inflating their revenue by over $1 billion during a nine-year period from 2009 to 2018. This period coincided with some of the club’s most successful years, which included winning three Premier League titles and acquiring high-profile players such as Yaya Touré, Sergio Agüero, and Kevin De Bruyne. The verdict alleges that City committed the majority of more than 115 infractions it faced.

City, owned and financially supported by interests from the United Arab Emirates, has consistently denied any wrongdoing and has filed an appeal against the decision. The club faces potential sanctions that could include substantial fines, points deductions, or even expulsion from the league.

Maresca, appointed as manager following the departure of Pep Guardiola at the end of last season, spoke for the first time since the independent panel’s findings were released. He dismissed claims that the verdict compromises the club’s achievements, stating that he has “complete trust” in Manchester City’s future and that the success during the years of investigation remains intact. Maresca was Guardiola’s assistant during the 2023 season when the team secured an unprecedented treble of the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup.

When asked whether he would have accepted the managerial role had the ruling been known beforehand, Maresca affirmed he would have taken the job regardless.

With the spotlight on the controversy, Maresca emphasized his primary responsibility lies with preparing his players for Sunday’s challenging away match against Liverpool, aiming to maintain focus on the sporting front amidst ongoing off-field issues.