“I’m happy” – Pep Guardiola reveals excitement for Manchester City’s 115 Premier League charges trial

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has admitted his excitement at the prospect of the club’s 115 Premier League charges being heard by an independent panel next month.

The Premier League first issued Manchester City with more than 100 breaches of its financial rules following a four-year investigation back in February 2023, just months prior to the club going on a sensational run and winning a historic Treble.

The English top-flight referred the club to an independent commission over alleged rule breaches between 2009 and 2018, whilst also accusing Manchester City of not co-operating since the investigation started in December 2018.

From the side of Manchester City, the four-time successive Premier League champions said in direct response that they were “surprised” by the charges and are supported by a “body of irrefutable evidence”.

Now, the issue could finally come to a head as both parties clash in front of an independent panel next month, with some reports already suggesting a commencement date of September 16.

Speaking during a recent press conference, Pep Guardiola admitted that he has “happy” about the club’s Premier League charges being heard and challenged at an independent panel, with reports already pointing towards a commencement date of mid-to-late September.

“I’m happy that they start soon, and hopefully finish soon,” Guardiola admitted. “For the benefit of all of us, especially the club, but for all of the other Premier League clubs, like for all the people that don’t wait for the sentence.”

The 53-year-old continued, “I wish, from the deepest of my heart, to go to the trial, the independent panel, and I’ll say again, INDEPENDENT panel, as soon as possible release what will happen and we will accept like always we have done.”

Continuing by answering questions on whether he is ‘concerned’ about the prospect of the independent hearing and Manchester City’s opportunity to defend themselves against the charges, Pep Guardiola offered a further sense of calm to supporters left concerned.

“No. Well, we’ve been three or four years talking about that,” Guardiola reiterated.

“That’s good, that we know what’s going to happen, we will accept it, and focus on West Ham, and international break, and Brentford, Arsenal, Champions League, and so on.

“I can give you all the calendar, it’s in my mind.”

Manchester City are conducting themselves in a manner of ‘business as usual’, despite the looming prospect of serious sanctions issued through a guilty charge in front of an independent panel.

It is a clear show of confidence from those within the Etihad Stadium offices, who are continuing to invest heavily on the club as a whole including infrastructure, whilst also investing on their first-team operation to maintain their place at the top of the game.

The 2025/26 season is also expected to see the completion of Manchester City’s ambitious expansion project of the Etihad Stadium, which will bring match-going supporters a new immersive experience including a state-of-the-art fan-zone, hotel, and museum facilities.