Mancini says Manchester City case is not his concern
Roberto Mancini said the Manchester City financial rules case does not involve him and denied any connection to allegations about separate contracts. The former City manager, who led the club from 2009 to 2013, spoke before Italy's Nations League match against Türkiye. An independent commission later ruled against City over major breaches of Premier League financial rules from 2009 to 2018, and the club said it would pursue an appeal.
Mancini, who managed City from 2009 to 2013, won the club's first league crown in more than 40 years. Speaking in Bursa before Italy met Türkiye in the Nations League, he said the matter did not involve him, was not new, and denied any link to dual-contract claims, calling it City's issue.
Reports by Rui Pinto, Der Spiegel and L'Espresso described separate arrangements involving Sparkleglow Holdings and Italy International Services, plus an Al Jazira consultancy and alleged hidden payments. UEFA reportedly viewed City's Aabar and Etisalat deals as above market value. A later independent panel found significant rule violations between 2009 and 2018; City denied wrongdoing and said it would appeal.
The case may shape how supporters, sponsors and rival clubs view financial regulation in English football. If City's appeal fails, penalties could affect squad investment, match competitiveness and local business around the club. A prolonged dispute may also influence public trust in league governance and how fans judge success. Conversely, a successful appeal could reinforce arguments that existing rules need clearer enforcement.