Pep Guardiola wants Premier League financial charges against Man City dealt with quickly
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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola celebrates with the trophy after winning the Premier League.
PHOTO: EPA-EFE
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LONDON – Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has said that he would like the financial charges against the football club to be dealt with “as soon as possible”.
City, who secured their fifth league title in six seasons under the Spaniard last weekend, were charged by the English Premier League in February with more than 100 alleged breaches of the league’s financial rules between 2009 and 2018.
They were also accused of not cooperating with the investigation since it began in December 2018.
The club have denied any wrongdoing.
“What I would like is if the Premier League and judges could make something as soon as possible,” Guardiola said ahead of Wednesday’s trip to sixth-placed Brighton & Hove Albion.
“Then, if we have done something wrong, everybody will know it.
“And, if we are like, we believe as a club for many years, (done things) in the right way, then the people will stop talking about it.
“We would love it tomorrow.
“This afternoon better than tomorrow.”
City, who were acquired by the Abu Dhabi-based City Football Group in 2008, are alleged to have breached rules relating to the provision of accurate financial information, “in particular with respect to its revenue... and its operating costs”.
“Hopefully, they are not so busy and the judges can see both sides and decide what is the best because, in the end, I know fairly what we won on the pitch and we don’t have any doubts,” Guardiola added.
“Let’s go. Don’t wait two years. Why don’t we do it quicker? In 24 hours, sit down with lawyers present. Let’s have it as soon as possible for the benefit of everyone.”
According to The Times of London, when the news broke in February, Nick de Marco, King’s Counsel, one of Britain’s leading sports lawyers, believes the huge number of charges means the case is likely to be a drawn-out affair.
He added that it could “take up to four years”.
Regardless of what happens, Guardiola, who has a contract until 2025, has no plans to leave the club.
“I will stay next season while there are 110 breaches against us,” he said.
“I would like to continue here next season independent of the result (of the Champions League final). I don’t know what it’s going to feel like winning or losing, but my feeling is I have a contract and I want to respect the club.”
City face Inter Milan in the Champions League final on June 10 after they take on rivals Manchester United in the FA Cup final on June 3. REUTERS
