Mancini defends Manchester City as financial case remains unresolved

Roberto Mancini has defended Manchester City while distancing himself from allegations about a second contract during his time as manager. Speaking at a press conference in Turkey on Sunday, he told ITV News that City were not guilty and said the questions surrounding the alleged arrangement were a matter for the club rather than him.

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ITV reported that Mancini also described the allegations as longstanding, saying they had resurfaced periodically over several years. His response followed reports of findings against City in their Premier League financial case. The club continues to deny wrongdoing, and Mancini's comments expressed his position rather than announcing any new decision in the proceedings.

According to BBC Sport, German newspaper Der Spiegel previously alleged that part of Mancini's compensation had been routed through a consultancy agreement with Abu Dhabi club Al Jazira. The newspaper claimed that the consultancy payments exceeded his City managerial pay before bonuses and incentives. Those claims concern how his remuneration was recorded; they remain allegations in the reporting of the contract arrangement.

BBC Sport reported that an independent panel had found against City on all but one of the charges, with that development emerging on Friday. Sanctions had not yet been determined. The Premier League declined to comment, while City said substantial parts of the process were still unfinished and subject to confidentiality. The club also said it had respected due process throughout.

The case followed a four-year investigation, with City charged in February 2023 over more than 100 alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules, the BBC reported. An independent commission heard the case behind closed doors, beginning in September 2024 and continuing for approximately 12 weeks. Other clubs were believed to have sought legal advice about possible compensation claims.

Separately, ITV reported that City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak remained determined to establish the club's innocence. He said confidentiality requirements prevented him from sharing details behind City's confidence in its position. His response underlined the club's continuing challenge to the allegations, while leaving supporters without the fuller explanation he said he wanted to provide.