Rodri Backs Manchester City as 115 Premier League Charges Case Continues
Rodri has reiterated his belief in Manchester City’s innocence as the Premier League’s confidential case over 115 financial charges continues, insisting the club’s hierarchy had kept players informed and assured throughout his seven years at the Etihad Stadium.
City case and Rodri’s immediate schedule
| Item | Detail | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Premier League charges | 115 | Allegations concern a period beginning before Rodri joined City in 2019. |
| Previous UEFA case | 2020 | A European competition ban was later removed on appeal. |
| Next match | Saturday, Wembley | Rodri is due to captain Spain against England in the UEFA Nations League. |
Recent claims have suggested that the English champions could be found responsible for most of the allegations. City have not publicly addressed those reports, while the Premier League has maintained its stance of not discussing an ongoing private process.
Now at Barcelona after leaving Manchester this summer, Rodri said he had trusted the people running the club during his time there. The Spain midfielder, who won the 2024 Ballon d’Or, said executives had consistently expressed confidence that City had acted properly.
He said the squad had been reassured by the certainty shown by senior figures, adding that the players had not sensed anxiety within the club over the proceedings.
Rodri pointed to City’s 2020 dispute with UEFA as a reason for his confidence. The club were initially excluded from European competition, but that punishment was overturned following an appeal. He said the message to players at that time had also been to remain calm because the club believed its conduct had been compliant.
The midfielder also argued that the achievements of Guardiola, the owners, staff and players should not be diminished by the current off-field uncertainty. City’s sustained success, he said, had been built through work, collective commitment and unity rather than financial backing alone.
He highlighted the club’s major occasions at Wembley and maintained that the trophies won during his spell in Manchester had been merited.
The eventual verdict in the Premier League case will determine whether City face any sanctions. Rodri’s focus, however, now turns to international football, with Spain preparing to meet England at Wembley and the former City midfielder expected to wear the captain’s armband.
