Pep Claims Critics Want Manchester City “Erased” Over Alleged FFP Breach

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed his frustration, claiming that critics of the Premier League champions want to see the club “wiped from the face of the Earth” due to their alleged financial rule violations. City, who have been dominant under Guardiola since his arrival in 2016, are currently facing 115 charges related to breaches of financial regulations. If found guilty, the club could face severe consequences, such as a points deduction or even expulsion from the league.

A long-awaited hearing on these charges, brought by the Premier League in February 2023, finally commenced this week. Guardiola has previously suggested that some of City’s rivals are eager to see the club punished, and he appears convinced that they expect significant sanctions.

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s match against Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium, Guardiola referenced the situation while addressing the tendency for people to overreact to individual poor performances.

“People say, ‘Oh, it was a bad season,’ but sometimes it’s just one bad performance,” Guardiola said. “They call it a disgrace or a disaster, but it’s just one bad afternoon when the other team played better.”

He added, “I will defend my club, especially now when many are hoping we won’t just be relegated, but erased from existence. But we have had more good afternoons than our opponents, and that’s why we win so much.”

The charges against City include 80 alleged breaches of financial rules between 2009 and 2018, along with 35 counts of failing to cooperate with the Premier League’s investigation. The club is accused of not providing accurate financial details, such as sponsorship revenue and salary information for managers and players. However, Manchester City has consistently denied any wrongdoing.