Pep Guardiola responds to UEFA’s claims regarding Manchester City’s 2020 sanctions
UEFA’s top executive, Alexander Ceferin, recently made controversial claims regarding Manchester City’s exclusion from European competitions in 2020. Ceferin stated that UEFA was right to impose the sanction on City due to “serious violations” of Financial Fair Play rules. However, the Court of Arbitration for Sports later annulled the suspension in June 2020.
In response to Ceferin’s comments, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola suggested that the UEFA president should not rush to judgment. Guardiola emphasized the importance of respecting the legal process and defending the club’s rights. The comments come as City also faces accusations from the Premier League regarding potential breaches of its financial rules.
While addressing UEFA’s claims, Guardiola also discussed the upcoming loan move of Kalvin Phillips to West Ham. Guardiola expressed his hopes for Phillips to receive the playing time he deserves during his loan spell, as the midfielder had limited opportunities at City.
Guardiola also provided updates on the fitness of key players, revealing that Erling Haaland is not yet ready to return for City’s upcoming FA Cup match against Tottenham. However, defender John Stones is set to make his comeback.
It remains to be seen how Manchester City will continue to navigate the challenges posed by UEFA’s past sanctions and ongoing legal scrutiny, as well as the upcoming matches in the Premier League and FA Cup.