Mancini says alleged Man City 'double contract' is 'not my concern' after panel ruling
September 28, 2026 12:00
Roberto Mancini, the Italy manager, said an alleged “double contract” relating to his Manchester City pay “is not my concern” after an independent panel found City guilty of all but one count of the charges brought by the Premier League. Mancini made the comments at a news conference before Italy’s Nations League game against Turkey, asking “Found guilty of what?” and adding: “Manchester City has not been found guilty, and the alleged double contract is not my concern. It's their issue, not mine.”
KEY CONTEXT
- The Premier League brought 115 charges against Manchester City, including 14 instances of failing to provide accurate details for player and manager payments covering 2009-10 to 2017-18. That period includes Mancini’s time in charge of City, when he managed the club from December 2009 until May 2013 and won the FA Cup in 2011 and the 2012 top-flight title.
- German newspaper Der Spiegel had previously accused City of paying a “significant portion” of Mancini’s compensation “by way of a fictitious consultancy contract”, alleging higher payment via a consultancy to Abu Dhabi club Al Jazira than his manager role pay (excluding bonuses and incentives).
- City were charged following a four-year investigation in February 2023. The club was referred to an independent commission; a behind-closed-doors hearing began in September 2024 and ran for about 12 weeks.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
Sanctions have yet to be determined. The Premier League declined to comment publicly, while Manchester City issued a statement saying the “Premier League process remains ongoing with significant elements to be completed, and subject to strict confidentiality” and that the club has “diligently respected due process for eight years”. Other Premier League clubs have been informed of the panel’s decision and are understood to have sought legal advice over possible compensation claims.