Former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini insists he is not worried about his name being linked to the financial case surrounding his former club.
The current Italy coach was in charge at City between 2009 and 2013, a period covered by the Premier League investigation into the club’s finances.
One area of scrutiny concerns whether Manchester City provided accurate information regarding payments to players and managers.
Mancini’s arrangements have consequently returned to the spotlight, particularly after he acknowledged having what he described as a “double contract” during his time at the Etihad.
Mancini insists it is Manchester City’s problem
Speaking ahead of Italy’s Nations League match against France, Mancini repeatedly dismissed suggestions that he should personally be concerned.
“No. I already spoke about it the other night,” Mancini said. “It’s not something that concerns me. It’s City’s problem, unfortunately.”
He then reinforced that position.
“It’s not a problem that concerns me. Look, really. I already said it the other day in Turkey.”
Those comments follow his remarks before Italy’s previous Nations League fixture in Turkey.
On that occasion, Mancini said: “Manchester City is not guilty and the fact of having a double contract isn’t my problem but theirs, probably.”
Why Mancini’s Manchester City contract is under scrutiny
Mancini’s name is relevant because the allegations against Manchester City include claims concerning the accuracy of manager and player remuneration information between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons.
Der Spiegel reported in 2018 that Mancini received additional money for an advisory role with a club in Abu Dhabi alongside his Manchester City salary.
According to The Telegraph, City have subsequently been accused of potentially avoiding around £12m in income tax and National Insurance connected to Mancini’s remuneration.
Mancini himself is making a clear distinction between acknowledging the contractual arrangement and accepting personal responsibility for how Manchester City accounted for it.
Mancini was central to City’s transformation
The Italian was one of the most important managers of Manchester City’s early Abu Dhabi era.
He delivered the FA Cup in 2011 before guiding City to their first Premier League title in 44 years in dramatic fashion during the 2011-12 season.
Mancini was dismissed in 2013, shortly after City suffered a shock FA Cup final defeat against Wigan Athletic.
More than a decade later, his time at the club is being examined for very different reasons.
Manchester City have maintained their innocence throughout the proceedings and confirmed on Friday that they are appealing the verdict.
For Mancini, however, the message is emphatic: whatever happens next is a matter for his former employers rather than him.
Key Points
- Roberto Mancini says he is not concerned about being linked to Manchester City’s financial case.
- The former City manager has acknowledged having what he called a “double contract” during his time at the club.
- Allegations against City include issues surrounding the reporting of manager and player payments.
- Mancini insists responsibility for the arrangements rests with Manchester City rather than himself.
- City maintain their innocence and have appealed the verdict.
What’s Next
Manchester City’s appeal now becomes the central issue, with the eventual outcome potentially determining both the club’s punishment and how aspects of its finances during Mancini’s tenure are ultimately viewed.
Mancini appears determined not to become drawn any further into the controversy. His acknowledgement of the contractual arrangement means questions are unlikely to disappear immediately, but the Italy manager’s position is that its financial treatment was Manchester City’s responsibility.
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