Pep Guardiola is expected to return to the Etihad Stadium for Manchester City’s Champions League meeting with Paris Saint-Germain on 14 October, in a public show of support for the club he left this summer.
The former City manager has reportedly told senior figures at the club that he wants to “be with his people” as Manchester City deal with the fallout from an independent commission’s ruling that they were guilty of all charges relating to breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations between 2009 and 2018.
Manchester City deny the allegations and have lodged an appeal against the decision.
Guardiola stepped down at the end of last season after 10 years in charge, during which he won 20 trophies. He has since spent time in Barcelona taking a break from football, having handed responsibility for the team to Enzo Maresca.
The verdict has cast uncertainty over Guardiola’s legacy at the club because some of his success came during the period covered by the investigation. He was also manager throughout the entire four-year inquiry and was repeatedly questioned about the allegations.
Guardiola consistently said that club executives had assured him no wrongdoing had taken place.
Earlier this week, the Catalan coach used social media to send a message of support to Manchester City’s supporters and staff. Guardiola, who managed the club between 2016 and 2026, said: “I want every single Manchester City fan across the world to know I am here; more than ever.
“I am, always have been, always will, be behind my club, my owner, my chairman, Ferran (Soriano, CEO), the players, staff, Enzo (Maresca) and you, our unique supporters. Let me be clear – we will get through this together. I love you all.”
The club confirmed on Friday that it had appealed against the commission’s findings, arguing that the ruling contained significant errors.
“ The club’s firm position is that, on multiple grounds, the opinion contains clear material errors, of law, principle and fact and is unsafe,” Manchester City said.
“The club is innocent of the accusations made by the Premier League and a comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence exists in support of all of its positions, relating to this case.
“We will continue to respect due process and are necessarily restricted in what we can say further until all proceedings are complete.”
Guardiola’s planned attendance at the Paris Saint-Germain match would be his first return to the Etihad since leaving the manager’s post.
