Mikel Arteta’s Previous Comments on Man City’s 115 Charges Resurface
Mikel Arteta’s previous comments about Manchester City’s Premier League financial charges have resurfaced following reports that the club has been found guilty of 114 of the 115 alleged breaches.
Manchester City were initially charged in 2023 over alleged financial rule violations covering several seasons between 2009 and 2018. One additional charge relates to the club’s alleged failure to cooperate with the Premier League’s investigation.
The verdict has now reportedly been delivered, although the full consequences and potential sanctions remain unclear, with Manchester City understood to have the right to appeal.
Arteta has a unique connection to the situation. Before becoming Arsenal manager, the Spaniard worked alongside Pep Guardiola as Manchester City’s assistant manager between 2016 and 2019, overlapping with part of the period covered by the charges.
When asked about the allegations in 2023, Arteta refused to speculate.
“I’m not going to make any comment on that,” he said.
When questioned about whether he had personally witnessed any wrongdoing while working at the Etihad, Arteta replied: “No.”
He was asked about the matter again the following year and maintained that it was for the relevant authorities to handle.
“That’s something for the authorities to manage. It’s not for us,” Arteta said. “If they’re playing, that means they can play and they are entitled to play. That’s it.”
Arteta has yet to publicly respond to the reported verdict, while Manchester City have maintained that the Premier League process is still ongoing and subject to confidentiality.
The club has also stated that it has followed due process and expects the Premier League to act as an independent and impartial regulator.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that Manchester United are assessing the potential financial impact of seasons in which City finished ahead of them in the Premier League or Champions League qualification race.
Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool have also reportedly reserved the right to pursue compensation should the allegations ultimately result in punishments.
With the potential consequences still unclear and an appeal possible, attention will now turn to what sanctions, if any, Manchester City could face.
