Roberto Mancini was appointed by Manchester City in 2009, the same year as the club's financial wrongdoing began, and he's alleged to have been paid off the books during his time as manager
BURSA, TURKIYE - SEPTEMBER 27: Head coach Roberto Mancini and Sandro Tonali (not seen) of Italy attend a press conference ahead of the upcoming UEFA Nations League A Group 1 match between Turkiye and Italy, in Bursa, Turkiye on September 27, 2026. (Photo by Mustafa Yilmaz/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Roberto Mancini has commented on the news(Image: Mustafa Yilmaz/Anadolu via Getty Images)
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Roberto Mancini has attempted to distance himself from Manchester City's wrongdoing after they were found guilty of breaching the Premier League's financial rules. The club, who strongly maintain their innocence, have been found guilty of 114 of the 115 charges brought against them back in 2023.
City's breaches are alleged to have started in 2009 - the same year as Mancini took over - and ended in 2018. Among the allegations levelled against City are supposed payments made to Mancini off the books.
The Italian, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, earned money from a second contract as well as another agreement with an Abu Dhabi club - Al Jazira - owned by City chief Sheikh Mansour worth £1.7million for a minimum of four days' consultancy per year. Mancini, however, insists that he isn't concerned about the allegations - and has a different opinion on the verdict.
"I don't think Manchester City were found guilty, quite the opposite," the Italy manager said. "It's not a problem that concerns me, and it isn't anything new. Manchester City are not guilty, and on the double contract it isn't my problem, theirs if anything."
Mancini was speaking ahead of Monday's Nations League clash with Turkey. The 61-year-old recently began his second spell as manager of Italy.
On Saturday, City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak told fans that he remains confident of proving the club's innocence. In a letter to supporters, Al Mubarak wrote: "Following Friday's media reporting, many of you will have spent your evening answering questions and responding to messages from friends, family and colleagues.
"So have I. Here's what I said to my family: The Premier League process still has a long way to run, and our confidence and intent in proving the Club's innocence is just as strong as when this began.
Manchester City's Italian manager Roberto Mancini celebrate with the Premier League trophy on the pitch after their 3-2 victory over Queens Park Rangers in the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers at The Etihad stadium in Manchester, north-west England on May 13, 2012. Manchester City won the game 3-2 to secure their first title since 1968. This is the first time that the Premier league title has been decided on goal-difference, Manchester City and Manchester United both finishing on 89 points. AFP PHOTO/PAUL ELLIS RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Paul ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Roberto Mancini led Manchester City to their first Premier League title(Image: Paul ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
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"There are so many things that I would like to be able to share with you to help you understand why we feel so confident in our position. But the strict confidentiality of the legal process and our determination to respect it means I cannot do that at the moment. Even this letter underwent several legal checks to make sure it complies.
"I ask you to please carefully read the statement below, which we gave on Friday, and the statement we issued in February 2023. Every word matters and holds true.
"While some people have been quick to reach their own conclusions, and there is so much noise swirling around us, nothing has changed. We have faced challenges together before and have prevailed. There remain many who want to undermine the momentum of our Club. We will not give them that opportunity."