Pep Guardiola Responds to UEFA President's Comments
The manager of Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, has issued a firm response to UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin regarding comments made about the club's alleged Financial Fair Play (FFP) violations.
Guardiola emphasized the importance of respecting the procedural aspects surrounding such allegations.
Ceferin's Controversial Statements
In a recent interview with the Telegraph, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin expressed support for UEFA's decision to ban Manchester City from European competitions for two years in 2020.
Guardiola, however, was displeased with Ceferin's stance on the matter.
Historical Context: Overturning UEFA Sanctions
It is worth recalling that the Court of Arbitration for Sport intervened in 2020, overturning UEFA's initial sanctions against Manchester City.
This legal intervention allowed the club to participate in European competitions, and three seasons later, they clinched their first UEFA Champions League title.
Premier League's Additional Allegations
Apart from UEFA's accusations, the Premier League also accused Manchester City of violating its financial policies.
The Manchester club vehemently denied these allegations.
In February of the previous year, the Premier League filed 115 charges against City in connection to these infractions.
Upcoming Hearing and CEO's Statement
Premier League CEO Richard Masters informed UK lawmakers that a hearing date had been scheduled regarding the charges against Manchester City.
However, he refrained from disclosing the specific date during his recent statement.
Guardiola's Response to Ceferin
Addressing Ceferin's comments, Pep Guardiola, on Thursday, asserted that as a lawyer and the president of UEFA, Ceferin should exercise patience and respect the procedural requirements.
Guardiola highlighted the club's right to defend itself and urged Ceferin to understand this fundamental aspect.
Focus on Upcoming FA Cup Clash
Despite the off-field controversies, Pep Guardiola and his team are set to face Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup fourth round on January 26.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 9 p.
m.
at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.
Guardiola and his players aim to maintain their focus on the on-field challenges, leaving the legal and procedural matters to be addressed at the appropriate time.
