Manchester City’s Rodri has now found out the extent of his sanctions following comments made in the media aimed at match officials in February.
At A Glance: Rodri FA Sanctions
Charge: Breach of FA Rule E3.1
Result: Admits charge
Penalty: £80,000 fine and formal warning.
Suspension: NONE
The situation involving Rodri became a significant flashpoint in City’s ongoing Premier League title charge, following a 2-2 draw against Tottenham on February 1, 2026.
Pep Guardiola’s side had led 0-2 thanks to Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo, before Dominic Solanke pulled a goal back, despite appearing to kick through the back of Marc Guehi’s leg to force the ball home.
Despite a VAR review and referee Robert Jones‘ on-field decision, the goal was allowed to stand, sparking a Tottenham comeback that was eventually completed by a sensational Solanke scorpion-kick in the 70th minute.
Speaking to broadcasters after the final whistle, Rodri claimed the decision to allow the first goal was “unacceptable” and “so clear,” suggesting a broader pattern of unfavourable decisions against the club.
Most controversially, Rodri stated, “I know we won too much and the people don’t want us to win, but the referee has to be neutral”, emphasising that while he respects the profession, the frequency of VAR errors against City made it impossible to stay silent, noting it was the “third or fourth game in a row” they had been disadvantaged.
Rodri Escapes Ban: FA Imposes Fine for Spurs Comments
It has now been announced that the Regulatory Commission has imposed an £80,000 fine and warning towards Rodri as to future conduct following a hearing, with the Spanish midfielder admitting the charge made against him.
It had been alleged that Rodri had acted in an improper manner during a post-match media interview following City’s 2-2 draw at Tottenham, by making comments that imply bias and/or question the integrity of a match official and/or match officials, contrary to FA Rule E3.1.
Tactical Boost: Rodri Available for Key Upcoming Matches
Many will see the confirmed sanctions as a significant boost to Manchester City, who enter a defining period of their 2025/26 season, now heading towards a Champions League last-16 first-leg trip to face Real Madrid at the Bernabéu on Wednesday, March 11.
Rodri’s availability for the coming run of matches will give Pep Guardiola and his coaching staff the best hope of progressing in as many competitions as they wish, with the Spain international once again a focal point of their tactical operation.
The Blues then return to domestic duty on Saturday for a Premier League clash away at West Ham, with Pep Guardiola absent from the touchline as part of a two-match technical area ban for an accumulation of yellow cards.
The return leg against Real Madrid follows quickly at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday, March 17, as Manchester City look to secure their place in the quarter-finals of Europe’s premier competition.