Arteta backs Manchester City as appeal continues

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said Friday that he trusts Manchester City and does not consider the club’s trophies tainted, while emphasizing that the commission’s verdict remains under appeal and he would make no further comment until the process is resolved. An Independent Commission found Manchester City guilty of financial-rule breaches, according to the reports. The club has appealed the verdict and denies wrongdoing. No appeal outcome or final sanctions were reported. Arteta said he would respect the process and its timelines, and described the matter as ongoing because of the appeal. Arteta previously worked as a coach at Manchester City from 2016 to 2019. Asked about the club’s past achievements during a Friday press conference, he said he trusted it now and in the future, and that the titles were not tainted. His position, he said, was not to comment further before the matter was resolved. The reports describe alleged breaches over the period from 2009 to 2018. One account said the commission found 114 breaches involving alleged sham contracts and disguised funding exceeding 900 million.