Guardiola backs City leadership amid 115‑charge probe as he prepares to exit

The Premier League charged Manchester City in February 2023 with 115 financial counts after a four‑year investigation into alleged breaches of spending and related‑party rules between 2009 and 2018. Guardiola took over the team in 2016, meaning his tenure overlapped the final two years of the period under review. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing by the club.

Guardiola said he trusts the club’s leadership and believes they acted properly throughout the investigated period. He announced on Friday that he will step down as manager after a ten‑year stint at the Etihad Stadium. The charge sheet lists 115 counts, stemming from the Premier League’s probe that began in 2019.

Guardiola’s endorsement aims to steady confidence amid the lingering legal uncertainty, while his departure opens a leadership transition at the club. The independent commission has yet to issue a final verdict, more than three years after the case opened. Observers will watch for the commission’s ruling and Guardiola’s next move, which may include an ambassadorial role with City Football Group.