Guardiola disputes Man City’s January expenditures because he fears a transfer embargo

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola stated that the club will find out the outcome of a hearing into their suspected infractions of Premier League rules in “one month” and that the club’s January expenditure was not a preemptive move for a potential transfer ban.

In 2023, reigning Premier League champions City were accused of 115 financial regulation infractions after spending more than $224 million in the January transfer window to acquire Omar Marmoush, Nico Gonzalez, Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis, and Juma Bah.

The allegations, which span from 2009 to the 2022–2023 season, were the subject of a hearing by an independent panel from September 16–December 6. City has always denied any misconduct.

City may be subject to penalties including hefty fines, point deductions, transfer restrictions, championship revocation, or even a Premier League relegation if they are found guilty of any or all of the allegations.

“I do not agree, but my words will not convince people that our attributes are (not) just being in a wealthy position,” Guardiola said to reporters on Friday when asked whether City’s recent spending was done to lessen the impact of a potential transfer restriction.

We are the last side in the top six for net-spend over the past five years. We are distant from Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham, and even Liverpool, despite the amount we have spent this transfer window,” the Spanish manager continued.

The reason for this is that, despite the fact that we have sold a lot in recent seasons, I am aware that, based on what people think about our club, it is always “just about the money.”

“Respect the others, but I believe a decision and punishment will be rendered in a month. After that, we’ll see what I think about what has transpired thus far. Nevertheless, each club is ultimately free to behave as they like.

Later on Saturday, City will travel to Leyton Orient, a third-tier team, for an FA Cup fourth-round match.