Roberto Mancini says the alleged double contract from his Manchester City days is the club’s issue, not his.
Roberto Mancini has dismissed questions about his old contract after Manchester City were reportedly found guilty of 114 of 115 Premier League charges. The Italy manager spoke before his side’s Nations League match against Turkey.
Mancini Refuses To Take Responsibility
Mancini faced reporters in Bursa on Sunday, ahead of Monday’s Nations League match. He appeared unbothered by the questions about his time in Manchester.
“Found guilty of what?” he asked. “It’s not an issue that concerns me,” he said.
He noted the matter has surfaced repeatedly over the years: “It’s nothing new because this matter has been discussed for the last four or five years,” Mancini added.
The Alleged Double Contract
The charges include failing to give full details of Mancini’s pay from 2009-10 to 2012-13. German magazine Der Spiegel previously reported the details of the arrangement. It claimed Mancini earned a £1.45 million base salary as City manager.
It also alleged he received £1.75 million a year as a consultant for Abu Dhabi club Al Jazira. Sheikh Mansour, City’s owner, also controlled Al Jazira. Mancini said the double contract is not his problem.
“Manchester City (2.37) have not been found guilty, and the alleged double contract is not my concern. It’s their issue, not mine,” he said.
City’s Own Stance
City have not denied the reported verdict, and they insist the process is ongoing. The club said it has respected due process for eight years. Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said his confidence in proving the club’s innocence has not changed: “Nothing has changed,” he said.
Chief executive Ferran Soriano struck a similar tone in Copenhagen. He told a meeting of European club executives that City would fight to prove their innocence. Soriano also said he disagreed with the commission’s ruling.
What Next For City And Mancini
Mancini led City to the 2011 FA Cup and their first top-flight title in 44 years in 2012. He left in 2013 after losing the FA Cup final to Wigan. The Premier League has declined to comment on what it calls a private and confidential process. It has not published the commission’s judgment.
Sanctions remain undecided and could range from a fine to a points deduction or expulsion. City are expected to appeal any punishment. Rival clubs have sought legal advice over possible compensation claims. Mancini returned as Italy coach this summer and wants attention on the pitch instead.
