EPL: Rodri Defends Man City’s Success After 115-Charge Verdict

Barcelona midfielder Rodri has defended Manchester City’s achievements, insisting that the club’s success cannot be erased despite reports that an independent panel found the club guilty of all but one of the 115 Premier League financial-rule charges.

Reports on Friday said the long-running case had reached a verdict, with City found to have breached the majority of the rules. The club have denied wrongdoing throughout the process and are expected to appeal. The Premier League has not commented, citing the confidential nature of the proceedings. 

Potential sanctions have yet to be determined, with reports indicating that the club could face sporting or financial penalties. The reported findings could also lead to questions over some of City’s achievements during the period covered by the charges.

Rodri, who spent seven seasons at Manchester City before joining Barcelona this summer, said he continued to believe in his former club and its players.

The Spain international referred to City’s previous legal battle with UEFA in 2020, when the Court of Arbitration for Sport overturned a two-year ban from European competition imposed on the club.

“We have faced something similar back in 2020, we had a similar judicial process,” Rodri said at a press conference.

“There as well in the first instance we were found guilty, but we believed in the club and the innocence that the club maintained and in the end we ended up acquitted.

“So, I believe in the justice system, and I believe in the innocence of the club.” 

Asked about the possible impact of the latest developments on City’s achievements, Rodri maintained that the work and commitment of those involved in the club could not simply be taken away.

“When you live daily in that club and all the people that worked hard all these years to have all the success we have had, not only Pep [Guardiola] and the players, but from the owners to the guys that work daily, what we did they cannot take it out of us,” he said.

“It is not something that is paid by money, it is paid with effort and partnership, being shoulder to shoulder every day.”

Rodri, who won four Premier League titles during his City career, added: “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.” 

The reported verdict is not the end of the process, with an appeal expected and significant elements of the case still to be completed. City have maintained that their position remains unchanged and that they have respected due process throughout the eight-year investigation.