MANCHESTER, SEPT 14: Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has no doubts that other Premier League clubs are keen for the English champions to be punished for 115 alleged breaches of rules relating to financial regulations.
A long-awaited hearing into charges brought by the Premier League in February 2023 is finally set to get underway on Monday.
City, who have dominated English football since Guardiola's arrival in 2016, face a hefty points deduction or even expulsion from the league if found guilty on some or all charges.
Javier Tebas, the president of Spain's La Liga and an outspoken critic of Abu Dhabi-owned City's financial model, told Spanish media he has spoken to a number of Premier League clubs who want to see sanctions imposed.
"That the Premier League teams want us to be sanctioned, that is for sure," said Guardiola when asked about Tebas' comments.
"I know what people are looking for, I know what they are expecting - I know it because I have read it for many years - but I've said everyone is innocent until guilt is proven.
"That's why I say to Mr. Tebas and the Premier League teams wait for the independent panel. —AFP
