Unai Emery Backs Pep Guardiola as Manchester City Appeal FFP Findings
Unai Emery has expressed sympathy for Pep Guardiola as Manchester City challenge an independent commission’s findings over alleged Premier League financial-rule breaches, while insisting that the eventual sanction must be determined by the legal process rather than rival clubs.
What changed for the club
Manchester City have lodged a comprehensive appeal after the commission found the club guilty of serious breaches connected to commercial agreements said to have artificially increased revenues by more than £900 million between 2009 and 2018.
The club submitted its appeal at 7pm on Thursday 1 October 2026. City said the commission’s opinion contained significant errors involving law, principle and fact, and described the conclusions as unsafe.
City have again denied the accusations, maintaining that they possess substantial evidence supporting their case. The club said it would continue to follow due process and could not offer detailed further comment while proceedings remain open.
Emery said financial restrictions affect clubs throughout the game, with teams often needing player sales and new commercial arrangements to meet the regulations. He added that financial fair play is intended to ensure spending reflects income and prevent budgets being artificially inflated.
The Aston Villa manager suggested that inflated budgets have not been limited to one club, but said he regretted the potential effect on Guardiola’s standing. Emery noted that City were, at times under Guardiola, exceptionally difficult to beat.
Competition context
The possible consequences for City have not yet been fixed. Sanctions available to the authorities could include a substantial fine, a major points deduction, relegation or expulsion from the Premier League.
Emery declined to argue for a particular punishment, saying the courts and relevant authorities should decide the outcome.
The case has also renewed scrutiny of Guardiola’s time at City. Guardiola left the club in the summer after a spell which began in 2016 and delivered an extensive collection of major honours:
- Six Premier League titles
- Three FA Cups and five League Cups
- One Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup
On the field, City have started the current Premier League season with five wins from five matches. Their 15 points place them first, three ahead of Arsenal in second.
What is scheduled next
The immediate next step is the appeal process, with City seeking to overturn the commission’s verdict. Until that process is completed, the final disciplinary outcome and any effect on the club’s league status or honours remain unresolved.
