"I want all Man City fans worldwide to know that I am still here, more than ever," Guardiola wrote on social media on 30/9. "I always stand behind the club, the owners, the chairman, Ferran, the players, the staff, coach Enzo Maresca, and you, our special fans. Let me be clear: we will get through this together. I love you all."

Coach Pep Guardiola waves to the crowd before Man City's match against Aston Villa at Etihad Stadium, Manchester, during the final round of the Premier League on 24/5. Photo: AFP

Coach Pep Guardiola waves to the crowd before Man City's match against Aston Villa at Etihad Stadium, Manchester, during the final round of the Premier League on 24/5. Photo: AFP

The message came a day after the Premier League announced the findings of an independent commission's multi-year investigation into Man City. The club was found to have breached all charges related to serious financial regulation violations across nine seasons and most charges concerning non-cooperation with the investigation.

These charges cover the period from 2009 to 2018, predating Guardiola's appointment as Man City coach in 2016. The case involves 130 charges across six groups, concerning the provision of financial information, coach and player remuneration, UEFA's licensing and financial fair play regulations, the Premier League's profitability and sustainability rules, and cooperation with the league's investigation.

Man City has declared its intention to appeal the findings, stating they possess "irrefutable evidence" to defend their position.

In his recent message, Guardiola did not delve into the specifics of the charges or the appeal process. Instead, he focused on expressing his unwavering support for the club and its personnel.

This stance mirrors Guardiola's position from 2022, before the investigation concluded. At that time, he stated he would leave Man City immediately if he discovered the club had lied to him about the alleged issues.

"I defend the club and the people there because I work with them. When they are accused of something, I ask them: 'Tell me about it.' They explain, and I believe them," Guardiola said then.

The Spanish coach also clarified that his trust in the club was conditional: "If you lie to me, the next day I will not be here. I will leave and no longer be your friend. I place my trust in you because I believe you 100% from day one."

Guardiola previously referenced a case where Man City was sanctioned by UEFA for financial rule breaches, only for the penalty to be overturned on appeal. He suggested that if Man City is ultimately cleared, the club should be compensated for damages incurred during the accusation process.

Guardiola departed his role as Man City coach in summer 2026 but continues as a technical advisor and global ambassador for the club. Therefore, his message on 30/9 comes from a different capacity than when he directly managed the team.

During his nearly a decade at Etihad Stadium, Guardiola guided Man City to significant achievements, including winning four consecutive Premier League championships, a 100-point season, the Champions League, and a treble. He secured a total of 17 major titles with the club.

However, the titles won during the period under investigation could be subject to sanctions if the findings are upheld after the appeal. The Premier League has not yet announced the final penalties for Man City.

Man City must submit its appeal within the stipulated timeframe, after which the appeal process will determine the next steps.

Hoang An (according to Marca)