Roberto Mancini says Manchester City double contract is not his concern despite guilty verdict
Roberto Mancini has claimed Manchester City were not found guilty of financial rule breaches and that an alleged double contract during his time as manager is "not my concern". The current Italy boss was speaking before Monday's Nations League game against Turkey.
- Who: Roberto Mancini, current Italy manager and former Manchester City manager
- What: Responds to Manchester City being found guilty of most Premier League financial rule breaches, including 14 related to manager payments
- When: Comments made before Monday's Nations League game against Turkey
- Where: Italy news conference
- Key charge: 14 instances of failing to provide accurate details for player and manager payments from 2009-10 to 2017-18
- What's at stake: Sanctions for Manchester City have yet to be determined; other Premier League clubs have sought legal advice over possible compensation claims
What was said
"Found guilty of what? It's not an issue that concerns me. It's nothing new because this matter has been discussed for the last four or five years."
"Manchester City has not been found guilty, and the alleged double contract is not my concern. It's their issue, not mine."
Mancini's response was defiant and dismissive. He refused to accept the premise of the question about his remuneration, instead shifting focus to Manchester City and the lengthy history of the allegations. His claim that City "has not been found guilty" directly contradicts Friday's ruling that an independent panel found the club guilty of all but one count brought by the Premier League.
The Italian's words will likely frustrate those who expected him to address the specific allegations about his own pay arrangements. By calling it "their issue, not mine", Mancini distances himself from any wrongdoing while implicitly acknowledging the matter has lingered for years.
The numbers
- 115 charges: Total brought by the Premier League against Manchester City
- 14 instances: Charges of failing to provide accurate details for player and manager payments from 2009-10 to 2017-18
- 1 count: The sole charge City were not found guilty of
- 3.5 years: Approximate duration of Mancini's Manchester City tenure
- 44 years: How long City waited for a top-flight title before 2012
- 8 years: Period City say they have respected due process
- 4 years: Length of Premier League investigation before charges in February 2023
- 12 weeks: Duration of behind-closed-doors hearing that began September 2024
Analysis: Why Mancini's denial cuts deeper than a simple no-comment
Mancini's refusal to engage with the specifics of the alleged double contract is a strategic move. The German newspaper Der Spiegel previously accused City of paying a "significant portion" of Mancini's compensation "by way of a fictitious consultancy contract". It alleged that Mancini was paid more by City for his role as a consultant to Abu Dhabi club Al Jazira than he was getting from his role as City manager, excluding bonuses and incentives. By saying "found guilty of what?", Mancini avoids addressing that allegation directly.
The timing is significant. Friday's verdict found City guilty of all but one count, yet sanctions have not been determined. Other Premier League clubs are believed to have been informed and have sought legal advice over possible compensation claims. Mancini's comments add a public layer to a case that City insist remains subject to "strict confidentiality".
For Manchester City, Mancini's words are a double-edged sword. On one hand, a former manager defending the club reinforces their stance that they have done nothing wrong. On the other, his dismissal of the double contract as "their issue" keeps the spotlight on the very payments that formed part of the 14 charges. The club's statement that they respected due process for eight years suggests they will continue to fight their corner, but Mancini's intervention ensures the story will not fade quietly.
Talking points
- Mancini says City "has not been found guilty" — but the independent panel found them guilty of all but one charge. Is he misinformed or deliberately misleading?
- The alleged double contract involved Mancini being paid more as a consultant to Al Jazira than as City manager. Should he be more forthcoming about his own arrangements?
- Other Premier League clubs are seeking legal advice over compensation. Could Mancini's comments be used as evidence in future proceedings?
- City's statement mentions "strict confidentiality" — yet Mancini's public denial directly contradicts that approach. Does this harm their position?
What happens next
Manchester City await sanctions from the independent panel, with the Premier League declining to comment while the process remains ongoing. Other Premier League clubs have been informed of the decision and are exploring compensation claims. Mancini, meanwhile, turns his attention to Italy's Nations League fixture against Turkey on Monday. The legal battle, however, is far from over.
Frequently asked questions
Did Roberto Mancini say Manchester City were found guilty?
No. Mancini said "Manchester City has not been found guilty" and described the alleged double contract as "not my concern".
What is the alleged double contract involving Mancini and Manchester City?
German newspaper Der Spiegel accused City of paying a "significant portion" of Mancini's compensation via a "fictitious consultancy contract", allegedly paying him more for consulting Abu Dhabi club Al Jazira than as City manager.
How many charges were Manchester City found guilty of?
An independent panel found City guilty of all but one of the 115 charges brought by the Premier League, including 14 instances of failing to provide accurate details for player and manager payments.
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