Luis Enrique backs Manchester City after Premier League financial verdict
Enrique praised City’s recent trophies and hoped the club could avoid sanctions as it prepares for a Champions League tie at the Etihad.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Paris Saint‑Germain manager Luis Enrique said he hopes Manchester City can avoid sanctions after an independent commission found the club guilty of 114 Premier League financial breaches.
What happened
The commission ruled that City benefited from more than £900 million in disguised funding between 2009 and 2018. The verdict, released in early October, leaves the club facing possible penalties ranging from a points deduction to expulsion from the Premier League. City are appealing the decision and will play PSG at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, their first home match since the ruling.
What the reports add
Both Independent articles note the same financial figures and potential punishments. The first article adds that the ruling could also lead to relegation, while the second specifies that a large points penalty is among the possible sanctions. Neither source mentions any official response from the Premier League or Manchester City beyond the appeal.
What was said
Enrique told the Independent: “There is a lot of noise around Manchester City and there is often noise around big clubs. We have just have to wait and see what the final decision will be. I hope everything works out well for Manchester City because I think what they have done on the pitch has been incredible over the last few years and they certainly deserved to win on the pitch all the trophies they have won.”
He also expressed support for former City manager Pep Guardiola, saying medals and titles should remain intact regardless of off‑field decisions.
How it came about
The verdict follows a series of investigations into City’s finances that began in 2024. Earlier this month, Felo News reported on Etihad Airways considering legal action after the Premier League’s communication about the verdict (etihad-legal-action-premier-league). On 8 October, Felo covered City players returning to the Etihad Campus after the ruling (manchester-city-training-verdict). The club’s appeal and the upcoming Champions League clash were highlighted in a 9 October piece on Enzo Maresca’s press conference (manchester-city-verdict-press-conference).
Key facts
- An independent commission found Manchester City guilty of 114 Premier League financial breaches covering 2009‑2018. (independent.co.uk)
- The commission said City benefited from over £900 million in disguised funding. (independent.co.uk)
- Potential sanctions include points deductions, fines, relegation or expulsion from the Premier League. (independent.co.uk)
- Luis Enrique said he hopes City can avoid sanctions and praised their recent trophies. (independent.co.uk)
Timeline
- 2026-10-01 — Etihad Airways considers legal action after Manchester City financial verdict
- 2026-10-08 — Manchester City players return to Etihad Campus after verdict
- 2026-10-09 — Enzo Maresca to address media ahead of Liverpool clash after verdict
