Manchester City’s financial case will form the backdrop to a European night at the Etihad Stadium, where Paris Saint-Germain arrive for Wednesday’s Champions League league-phase meeting. On the eve of the match, PSG coach Luis Enrique said the English club’s achievements on the pitch should remain distinct from the Premier League proceedings.
City have challenged the findings of an independent Premier League commission, which ruled that the club committed financial-rule breaches across the period from 2009/10 to 2017/18. No sporting or financial penalty has yet been imposed while the appeal is being considered.
Financial case remains under appeal
- The investigation found that Manchester City used irregular commercial agreements that inflated declared income and lowered expenses recorded in their accounts.
- The club denies wrongdoing and has lodged an appeal against the commission’s decision.
- Available sanctions could range from a fine or points deduction to relegation and the removal of honours, although none has been confirmed.
Speaking in Manchester on Tuesday, Luis Enrique acknowledged the seriousness of the process but urged caution before its final outcome. The Spaniard argued that footballing merit should not be judged through the unresolved financial case.
“Titles won on the field belong on the field,” he said. “They deserved to win them, and I hope they can avoid a punishment.”
He added that, based solely on what City have produced in matches, the trophies were deserved. Luis Enrique said he had been surprised by the commission’s ruling, while praising the standard of football City have delivered in recent seasons.
Respect before the Etihad meeting
The PSG coach also highlighted the work of Pep Guardiola and Enzo Maresca, City’s current manager, as he prepared his side for a demanding trip to England.
PSG face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday at 16:00 Brasília time, in the second round of the Champions League league phase. The contest brings together two clubs accustomed to the latter stages of Europe’s major competition, with City’s off-field appeal now adding another layer to an already significant continental fixture.
