Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has defended Manchester City’s achievements on the pitch, saying the English club deserved the trophies it has won despite an independent commission’s findings that it breached Premier League financial rules.
Enrique spoke on Tuesday, October 13, ahead of Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League meeting between PSG and Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
The Spanish coach said he hoped City would avoid sanctions that could affect the club’s honours, while stressing that the final decision rests with the relevant authorities.
“I think we need to respect the process and wait for the final decision,” Enrique said, according to reports of his pre-match press conference.
He added that, based on what he had seen on the pitch, Manchester City deserved their trophies and expressed hope that the club could avoid punishment.
Manchester City Appeals Commission’s Findings
The Premier League announced on September 29 that an independent commission had found Manchester City guilty of charges involving serious breaches of its financial regulations over nine seasons, from 2009/10 to 2017/18.
The commission’s findings included the use of commercial agreements that misrepresented the arrangements between the club and some of its commercial partners, as well as inaccurate financial reporting.
It also upheld the majority of charges concerning City’s failure to cooperate with the league’s investigation.
Manchester City has consistently denied wrongdoing and challenged the findings. The club formally lodged an appeal on October 2, with the appeal proceedings subject to the established judicial process.
Possible Sanctions Remain a Focus
The case has drawn widespread attention because of the potential consequences for City’s finances, standing in English football and historical achievements.
Possible sanctions discussed in connection with the case include financial penalties, points deductions and other sporting measures. Whether any titles could be affected remains a matter of speculation until the relevant process produces a final outcome.
Enrique’s comments reflect his view of City’s performances on the field, rather than a ruling on the financial case itself.
Manchester City, managed by Pep Guardiola during much of the period under scrutiny, won several major domestic honours and the UEFA Champions League in 2023.
Attention Turns to Champions League Clash
The comments came as PSG prepared to face City in a meeting between two clubs with ambitions in European football.
While the financial case continues through the appeal process, both teams are preparing for their Champions League fixture, with the focus on the match itself.
The outcome of City’s appeal will determine the next stage of the dispute, while Enrique has made clear that he believes the club’s achievements on the pitch should be recognised.
Source: Premier League statements and media reports on Luis Enrique’s pre-match comments.
