Rodri has defended Manchester City’s success despite reports that the club has been found guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules. The football world reacted on Friday afternoon when several outlets reported that City had been found guilty on all but one of the 115 charges brought by the league in February 2023.
City have always denied the charges. A spokesperson said that “significant elements” of their legal case with the Premier League are still to be completed.
Rodri Hernandez left Manchester City in the summer. He now plays for Barcelona. He spoke at a press conference on Friday evening before Spain’s Nations League opener against England. He did not avoid the topic.
Rodri said City faced something similar in 2020. There was a different accusation but a similar process. In the first instance, they were found guilty. But they believed in the club and its innocence. In the end, they were acquitted. Rodri was referring to how City successfully overturned a two-year ban from European football imposed by UEFA. They won their appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The ex city player said he believes in the justice system and in the club’s innocence. He was asked if the talk hurts given how much he achieved with City. He said it is a different thing for the players than for the media. He understands all kinds of opinions. He said the players always tried to think positively. He said not just Pep Guardiola and the players, but the whole structure, from the owners to the daily staff. He said what they did cannot be taken away from them.
Rodri said City had a lot of success over the years, including at Wembley. He said everything was deserved. He is glad he could live one of the best eras of English football.
Rodri seemed calm about the news. He still trusts the City hierarchy. He said they always told the players they were innocent. He said you look someone in the eyes and talk that way. He pointed to the 2020 example. The process was the same, and in the end nothing happened. He said the team were never nervous about these things.
Rodri said many teams go through situations like this. It is part of football today. Everyone has to follow the rules, and he thinks that is great. But City always expressed confidence that they never did anything wrong. Rodri said he believes in that. Until they are proved wrong, they believe in the club. He said he has been there and knows how they work and cooperate.
The potential sanctions in this case could be severe. That raises questions about the club’s achievements. Some of those achievements came at Wembley, where Rodri spoke on the eve of the England game.
Manchester City Found Guilty on Almost All 115 Premier League Charges as Landmark Case Nears Final Verdict
A decision has finally been reached in the case against Man City. The club were charged with 115 breaches of Premier League financial rules. Reports say City have been found guilty on almost all of the charges.
City were charged in February 2023. The alleged breaches took place between 2009 and 2018. They include failing to provide accurate financial information, failing to provide accurate details for player and manager payments, and failing to comply with UEFA rules. City are also accused of not cooperating with the Premier League’s investigation. City have always denied any wrongdoing.
The hearing began in September 2024 and lasted 10 weeks. Now a verdict has been reached. But the sanctions have not been announced yet. The independent panel will release a written judgement. We do not know who was on the panel.
City are expected to appeal. Their legal team is led by Lord Pannick KC. He helped City overturn a two-year European ban in 2020. But this case cannot go to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. It can only be appealed against the commission’s judgement. The process has already taken eight years. It is impossible to say when it will end.
Other Premier League clubs have sought legal advice about compensation. They could claim they lost a chance to win honours because of City’s breaches. Any claims would be heard individually. Earlier this year, Everton were told to pay Burnley £35m over a PSR breach. Burnley argued the breach affected their chances of staying in the Premier League.
The case has cost tens of millions of pounds in legal fees. The losing side may have to pay costs. If the Premier League pays, the money would be spread across the 20 clubs.
City issued a statement after news of the verdict leaked. They said the process is still ongoing and subject to confidentiality. They said their position remains the same as in February 2023. The club said it has respected due process for eight years.
FAQs
Q. How many charges was Manchester City accused of breaching?
A. City were charged with 115 alleged financial rule breaches.
Q. When were the charges brought against Manchester City?
A. The charges were brought in February 2023.
Q. What has Manchester City said about the charges?
A. City have denied wrongdoing and said the process is still ongoing.
Q. Who defended Manchester City’s achievements?
A. Former City midfielder Rodri defended the club’s success.
Q. Can Manchester City appeal the verdict?
A. Yes, City are expected to appeal the commission’s judgement.
Get the Latest UEFA Champions League, English Premier League, La Liga, Saudi Pro League, and MLS at IceCric.News and Follow for Live Updates – Facebook & Instagram.
