Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has commented on the Manchester City case after the independent commission's guilty verdict. The Spaniard has insisted that the concerns over financial regulations extend beyond a single club.
Initially, it was reported that City were found guilty on 114 out of 115 charges. However, the Premier League later published the commission's findings, confirming that the club had been found guilty on all 115 counts.
The commission's materials claim that financial schemes allowed Manchester City to inflate revenues and understate expenses by over £900 million. The club, however, firmly rejects the allegations and has already lodged an appeal, maintaining their innocence.
Emery remarked:
This issue has been known for some time.
We all have constraints. We have to sell players to comply with financial fair play and find ways to structure contracts appropriately with new signings.
Financial fair play is needed for balance, ensuring expenses align with revenues and preventing artificial inflation. Yes, many other clubs have inflated their budgets too. Now that this is coming to light, it's natural for a decline to follow.
As for the potential punishment Manchester City faces, no decision has been made yet. Emery refrained from speculating on what sanctions might be imposed, emphasising that the resolution lies with the relevant authorities:
These matters should be resolved by the courts and appropriate bodies.
I feel sorry for that team, considering how well they have played. Under Guardiola, there were periods when they were unbeatable.
Manchester City submitted their appeal on Friday. Until it is reviewed, a final decision on the sanctions against the club has not been reached.
