Man City boss Pep Guardiola has acknowledged that their Premier League rivals are likely eager to see the club penalised for their alleged financial doping.
As City prepare for their hearing, which starts on Monday, into 115 charges of alleged financial impropriety, Guardiola believes there is a collective desire among the other 19 Premier League clubs for the reigning champions to be held accountable.
La Liga president Javier Tebas has claimed he has held private discussions with several top-flight English clubs, who have confided to him their wish for City to face punishments.
When quizzed about Tebas’ remarks, who has criticised City and their financial approach in recent years, Guardiola said he agreed with the La Liga chief over the perceived stance of their Premier League rivals.
“Maybe he’s right and all the Premier League teams want this,” Guardiola conceded. “I agree with Tebas for the first time and maybe the last. That’s why I say to Mr Tebas and to the Premier League teams – wait for the independent panel.
“I know what people are looking for, I know what they’re expecting, because I’ve known it for many, many years, but I’ve said everyone is innocent until guilt is proven.
“Justice is there in a modern democracy so wait for the decision. It’s not more complicated than that. I don’t know if he’s a lawyer or the rest of the Premier League teams are lawyers, but we had this with UEFA many times. We go to an independent panel and we wait.
“I’m not a lawyer. There are many lawyers in this country, but I wait. We’re going to wait and see. What is going to happen is with the independent panel and we will accept the sentence. I’m happy it starts on Monday. There will be more rumours and we’re going to see.
“It starts soon and hopefully finishes soon. An independent panel will decide. I’m looking forward to the decision.”
The charges that City are facing cover a nine-year period from 2009 to 2018, with potential penalties if they are found guilty varying from relegation, to points deductions and fines.
