Rodri confident of Manchester City innocence despite reported charges

Rodri won 12 trophies including multiple Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League with Manchester City. | Photo Credit: Reuters

Barcelona midfielder Rodri backed his former club Manchester City to prove its innocence after it was reportedly found guilty on 114 charges of financial misdemeanours.

The ruling has not been published and no sanctions decided, but the widespread reports have prompted speculation that the club could face severe punishments including a points deduction, removal of titles, or relegation.

The club is accused of breaking regulations by failing to provide accurate information and details of payments to players and coaches, as well as breaches of financial sustainability rules.

City was also initially found guilty by UEFA in 2020 of breaking financial fair play rules and given a two-year European ban before winning an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

“We went through an identical process in 2020,” Rodri said at a press conference ahead of Spain’s Nations League clash against England on Saturday.

“The club always reassured us that we would be cleared of wrongdoing, that we would face no penalties-because nothing improper had been done. We trusted the club, and ultimately, the club was acquitted.”

“I have faith that the club, which I know very well, will be cleared, given the reassurance they gave us back then that they had done everything by the book.”

ALSO READ: Manchester City found guilty of breaching Premier League financial regulations

The Barcelona midfielder also said that he did not believe in the need to openly promote his case for the Ballon d’Or, for which he is a leading candidate.

“Do you think I don’t want to win it? I know it’s an award that doesn’t depend on what you say publicly. It depends on what you’ve shown on the pitch,” said the 30-year-old.

“Individual titles are a reward for collective effort...nothing players like me have achieved makes sense without teammates.”

(With inputs from AFP)

Published on Sep 26, 2026

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