Pep Guardiola's 115 Man City charges verdict obvious amid Liverpool Premier League title race

Manchester City's Premier League dominance is under threat this season, both on and off the pitch. Pep Guardiola's team are struggling in the league, trailing five points behind leaders Liverpool, while also dealing with legal issues away from the field.

The club were charged with allegedly violating 115 Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules between 2009 and 2018, with the hearing commencing in September and expected to conclude in November. Despite the charges, City maintains its innocence, claiming to have 'irrefutable evidence' to prove it.

However, Premier League rivals Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United and Liverpool are sceptical, reserving the right to seek compensation if City is found guilty. While a verdict isn't expected until early next year, Guardiola must be confident in their innocence, having reportedly agreed to a new one-year contract with an option for a further 12 months extension.

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Guardiola has previously stated that even if City were to be relegated to League Two or non-league following a guilty verdict, he would be more likely to extend his contract. While this may seem noble, it's probably an impossible commitment to keep.

If found guilty, City could face demotion to the lower tiers of English football and would need to adjust their spending accordingly, including reducing large salaries. Unless Guardiola was willing to accept a significant pay cut, he would likely be asked to leave to avoid further financial issues.

His decision to stay suggests that he is confident the club will either be found not guilty or, at worst, receive a hefty fine rather than demotion. For the rest of the Premier League, Guardiola's new deal signals intent and could maintain their stronghold on the title - although they've have to catch Arne Slot's Liverpool first.

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