Hearing into Manchester City charges will not affect their performance, says manager Pep Guardiola

The verdict expected in the coming months on Manchester City’s alleged breaches of Premier League financial regulations will not affect player performance, manager Pep Guardiola said ahead of Saturday’s home game against Ipswich Town.

In February 2023, City were charged with 115 offences since being acquired by Abu Dhabi United Group-owned City Football. The club could face sanctions including points deductions or relegation if found guilty.

Last season, Nottingham Forest and Everton had points deducted for breaching the league’s profit and sustainability rules.

City deny the allegations and are contesting them. An independent commission will review the allegations dating back to 2009. Guardiola said City would accept the verdict.

The Times of London said the hearing in the case would begin next month and the outcome would be known early next year.

“I’m happy that it starts soon and I hope it ends soon for the benefit of all of us,” Guardiola told reporters. “Above all for the club, but also for all the other clubs in the Premier League, as well as for all the people who are not expecting the verdict.”

“I wish from the bottom of my heart to go to trial, to the independent panel – and I say it again, independent panel – and as soon as possible to make public what happened, and we will accept it as we always have.”

Even with lingering concerns surrounding the club, City claimed a fourth consecutive Premier League title last season after winning the treble in the 2022-23 season.

Asked about the impact the case could have on his team, Guardiola said: “No, we have been talking about it for three or four years. We know it will happen, we accept it and we focus on our games.”