Brief

Arteta says his conscience is clear after City breach verdict

Arteta, a former City assistant, declined to comment on the verdict’s impact on his past role.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sat, 10 Oct 2026 20:32:25 GMT

Mikel Arteta told reporters at Arsenal's London Colney headquarters that his conscience is clear after an independent commission found Manchester City guilty of breaching more than 100 Premier League financial regulations. The former City assistant, who left the Etihad in 2019 to become Arsenal manager, said the ongoing process makes it difficult to express his feelings until a final resolution.

When asked directly if his conscience was clear, Arteta answered simply, “Yes.” He added that the investigation, which covers alleged breaches between 2009 and 2018, is still unresolved and that he will speak with more clarity once it is concluded. "We need to trust that the people in charge will resolve it in the timeframe that they believe is the best for everybody," he said.

Arteta declined to discuss whether he had spoken to Pep Guardiola since the verdict was released a fortnight ago, stating, “I prefer not to answer those questions.” He also refused to say whether his memories of his time at the Etihad have been "tainted," noting the amount of noise surrounding the issue.

Regarding the Premier League’s standing, Arteta affirmed, “One hundred per cent,” that it remains the best league in the world, despite the shadow the verdict casts. When probed about any advantage Arsenal might gain, he said the club focuses only on its own performance and cannot control external factors.

Key facts

Arteta said his conscience is clear after Manchester City's financial breach verdict. (independent.co.uk)
The independent commission found City guilty of breaching more than 100 Premier League financial rules between 2009 and 2018. (independent.co.uk)
Arteta declined to comment on any conversations with Pep Guardiola since the verdict. (independent.co.uk)
He affirmed that the Premier League remains the best league in the world. (independent.co.uk)
City have launched an appeal and Enzo Maresca said the club's success is not tainted. (independent.co.uk)