‘A verdict and a sentence’ – Pep Guardiola confirms when Man City are expecting a ruling on 115-charge FFP case and vows to give his honest opinion on saga

The Premier League formally charged Manchester City with breaching financial rules over an extended period, with allegations dating back several seasons. Guardiola, who signed a contract extension earlier this season keeping him at the Etihad until 2027, previously defended the club, stating that critics wanted City "wiped from the face of the Earth." While there has been no official announcement on when a verdict will be reached, it has long been expected to arrive in the first quarter of 2025.

City’s £180 million winter transfer window was the second-largest January spending by a Premier League club, only behind Chelsea’s £275 million outlay in 2023. As part of their squad reinforcements, City secured the long-term future of star striker Erling Haaland with a new 10-year contract while also adding Nico Gonzalez, Abdukodir Khusanov, Omar Marmoush, and Vitor Reis to their ranks.

When questioned about whether City’s record £180 million spending spree in the January transfer window was influenced by a potential transfer ban, Guardiola hinted that the club would soon know its fate.

"In one month, I think there will be a verdict and a sentence," Guardiola told reporters. "After that, we will see my opinion of what happened so far."

Guardiola also pushed back against critics who claim that City’s success is purely "just about the money." He emphasized that when looking at net spending over the past five years, City have been outspent by their rivals.

"My words will not convince people," he said. "I know with this club it is always 'just about the money'.

"But in the past five years, we are the last among the top six for net spend. Even after what we have spent in this transfer window, we are away from Chelsea, (Manchester) United, Arsenal, Tottenham. Even from Liverpool. The only reason why is we sell a lot in the last seasons."

City have performed below their usual standards and currently sit in fifth place in the Premier League, trailing leaders Liverpool by 15 points. Despite their Premier League title challenge fading, City remain determined to secure a top-four finish and continue their pursuit of silverware on multiple fronts. The club is still in the FA Cup fourth round and will soon compete in the Champions League knockout phase play-offs, where they will face Real Madrid in a highly-anticipated European clash.