Rodri Believes in Man City's Innocence Amidst Premier League Charges

Former Manchester City captain Rodri has stated his belief in the club's innocence following news that they were found guilty of the vast majority of the 115 Premier League rule break charges. Rodri, who transferred to Barcelona in the summer, is the first individual associated with the club to publicly address the verdict.

The charges, which an independent panel has reportedly found City guilty of all but one, could result in significant penalties, including points deductions, financial sanctions, or even relegation. The possibility exists for points deductions to be applied retrospectively, potentially impacting past Premier League titles.

Rodri drew upon a 2020 UEFA case where Manchester City faced a Champions League ban and fines for financial rule breaches. That ban was later overturned on appeal by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, with the fine reduced. "We have faced something similar in 2020 if I remember correctly, a similar process, a different accusation but similar process," Rodri said. "In the first instance we were found guilty but we believed in the club and the innocence the club maintained, and in the end we ended up being acquitted. I believe in the justice system and I believe in the innocence of the club."

When asked if he had received assurances from the club, Rodri responded, "They always tell us the confidence of their innocence and when you look in someone’s eyes and they are talking in that way – and we have the example of 2020 the process was the same and at the end nothing happened – we were very calm in this way." He added that while such situations are not necessarily normal, they are part of modern football, and that teams must adhere to rules.

Rodri, who won four Premier League titles, a Champions League, two FA Cups, three Carabao Cups, and a FIFA Club World Cup during his tenure at Manchester City, emphasized that the success achieved by the players and staff cannot be diminished. "For us, the players, it is a different thing... what we did they cannot take it out of us," he stated. "It is not something that is paid by money, it is paid with effort and partnership, being shoulder to shoulder every day. We had a lot of success over the years and I can tell you that everything was deserved and I am glad I could live one of the best eras in English football."

Manchester City has maintained its innocence throughout the process and is expected to appeal the verdict. The club released a statement indicating that the Premier League process is ongoing, with significant elements yet to be completed and subject to strict confidentiality. The statement reiterated the club's consistent position from February 2023, asserting that they have diligently respected due process for eight years. Manchester City was charged in February 2023, with the hearing concluding in December 2024. The club expressed surprise at the charges at the time, which alleged multiple breaches of financial rules and failure to cooperate with the investigation over a 14-year period.

The initial 115 charges were reportedly extended to 130 due to an administrative issue, marking the most extensive and costly case in English football history. The club has consistently denied wrongdoing across more than 115 alleged breaches spanning eight years, including the early years of Pep Guardiola's management. The accusations include failing to report accurate financial information for nine seasons from 2009-10 to 2017-18, not providing full details of former manager Roberto Mancini’s pay between 2009-10 and 2012-13, failing to provide complete details of player payments from 2010-11 to 2015-16, and not cooperating with the probe from 2018 to 2023.