Pep Guardiola has reportedly agreed to extend his contract with Manchester City, with the new deal keeping him at the Etihad until 2026. However, the new contract notably does not include a relegation break clause in the event that the club is found guilty of financial misconduct and subsequently relegated.
City is currently involved in a legal battle with the Premier League over 115 charges related to financial fair play violations, which the club denies. Guardiola’s new agreement does not include an automatic release clause should the club be relegated as a result of the ongoing investigation.
Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, Guardiola remains committed to his role. When asked about the potential of relegation, he was defiant: “I will answer when I have the sentence,” he said. “You are questioning like we have been punished. And in the moment we are innocent until guilt is proved. I know the people want it. I know, I feel it. I will wait. Wait and see it and after the sentence has been done we will come here and explain it.”
Guardiola also emphasized that, should the worst-case scenario of relegation occur, he would not consider his future based on the league status, stating, “Absolutely I will not consider my future [if] it depends on being here [Premier League] or being in League One. Absolutely. There is more chance to stay if we are in League One than if we were in the Champions League.”
While a points deduction remains a potential penalty for City, relegation is still considered a possibility, though unlikely. The final verdict in the case could have significant implications for the club, its players, and Guardiola’s future.