Mikel Arteta has called for the process to be “respected” as Manchester City appeals an independent commission's guilty verdict. The commission announced during the international break that City was found guilty of 114 financial rule breaches.
The breaches, which occurred over a nine-year period between 2009 and 2018, involved the club using “sham” contracts and disguised funding amounting to more than £900m. Manchester City maintains its innocence and has launched an appeal against the verdict.
Arteta, who served as an assistant coach at City between 2016 and 2019, stated, "I think it's very important that we respect the process and the timelines. It's still an ongoing process that is not resolved, because it's been appealed, and my position, and the club's position, is not to make any further comments until this is fully resolved."
City manager Enzo Maresca has expressed full trust in the owners, stating the club will clear its name through the appeal process. City CEO Ferran Sorriano reportedly described the verdict as a “Premier League conspiracy theory” in a leaked video message to staff.