Pep Guardiola Fires Back La Liga Over Man City Allegations

Pep Guardiola & Kyle Walker (photo credit: Getty)

Pep Guardiola has firmly rejected claims from La Liga president Javier Tebas regarding Manchester City’s alleged financial misconduct. The City boss appeared visibly frustrated during Friday’s press conference when asked about Tebas’ accusations, offering a blunt response: “Next!”

This comes as City await the verdict on charges brought by the Premier League in February 2023, accusing them of breaching over 100 financial regulations. The club has consistently denied any wrongdoing, and an independent commission ruling expected this spring could determine their fate.

The Manchester City manager refused to engage in speculation regarding Tebas’ remarks but later addressed the broader issue of why the club has been a legal target for multiple footballing authorities.

“I don’t know. It happened before with UEFA, and now in a few weeks, it happens with the Premier League. We’ll wait for the decision, and after that, we’ll talk.”

Pep Guardiola & Kyle Walker (photo credit: Getty)
Pep Guardiola & Kyle Walker (photo credit: Getty)

Tebas, speaking at the Financial Times’ Business of Football summit, alleged that City had manipulated their balance sheets by using external companies to absorb expenses. He claimed City’s finances operate similarly to the infamous Enron scandal, where the American energy giant concealed losses through a network of partnerships.

In his address, Tebas accused City of inflating sponsorship deals and shifting costs to entities outside the City Football Group, stating:

“City have a lot of companies outside their official group where they put their expenses. These other companies take the losses, but the club itself does not. It’s important that all clubs follow the same financial regulations.”

Javier Tebas
Javier Tebas (Photo Credit: Getty)

Tebas confirmed that he reported City to the European Commission in 2023 and that the complaint remains under investigation. He also compared City’s financial practices to the Enron accounting scandal, a major corporate fraud case in the early 2000s where executives hid debts and falsified profits.

City have strongly refuted these allegations, insisting their accounts—available as public records—prove no wrongdoing.

The independent commission’s ruling on City’s financial case is expected by March 2025, though appeals from either side could prolong the legal battle for months. If found guilty, City could face severe penalties, ranging from a points deduction to relegation.

Despite the speculation, Guardiola remains focused on the immediate task ahead—City’s FA Cup clash with Plymouth. However, with legal pressure mounting, the club’s long-term future remains uncertain.



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