Whistleblower behind Man City 115 charges breaks silence on guilty verdict

The whistleblower who first released club documents and internal emails that led to Premier League charges against Manchester City has broken his silence following the club's guilty verdict. Rui Pinto has called the ruling 'historic' and told fans to 'fasten your seat belts'.

The founder of Football Leaks feels vindicated that his leak has seen City found guilty of 114 of 115 charges of breaching the Premier League financial rules. Throughout the process, City have maintained their innocence and intend to appeal the decision.

Pinto believes that the result of the battle between City and the Premier League will be devastating for the Premier League leaders.

"A historic decision for English football, and one that comes to crown the work I carried out through Football Leaks," Pinto wrote.

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He added: "Ironically, I cannot help but remember Pep Guardiola's words at his first press conference as City manager: "Fasten your seat belts"."

As reports of the verdict emerge on Friday, City responded with a statement. “The Premier League process remains ongoing, with significant elements to be completed, and subject to strict confidentiality. As such Manchester City FC’s position remains consistent with the club’s statement of February 2023," they said.

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“The club has diligently respected due process for eight years on the basis the Premier League board and executive would behave as an independent, impartial and fair-minded regulator, free from partisan influence.”

The statement released by City back in February 2023 noted that the club were 'surprised' by the Premier League's decision to bring charges. They also said that "The Club welcomes the review of this matter by an independent Commission, to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of its position".

Punishments for City could range from a fine to a points deduction or even expulsion from the Premier League. Any sanction set to be placed upon the club could emerge before the result of any appeal by City.