Roberto Mancini distances himself from Manchester City contract allegations
Roberto Mancini has again distanced himself from Manchester City’s financial case, insisting the reported contract arrangements from his time at the club are an issue for City rather than for him.
The Italy head coach, speaking before the Nations League meeting with France, said he was not concerned about the implications for his own position after Manchester City were found to have failed to supply accurate financial information.
“It does not concern me,” Mancini said. “It is City’s issue, unfortunately.”
Contract allegation dates back to City spell
- Mancini managed Manchester City from 2009 until 2013, a period now central to scrutiny of the club’s financial conduct.
- Documents leaked in 2018 raised allegations that he had two agreements: an official Manchester City salary of £1.45m and a comparable payment for consultancy work with Abu Dhabi club Al Jazira.
- The structure prompted claims that part of Mancini’s City income had been routed externally to avoid Financial Fair Play restrictions.
- Reports have also claimed the arrangement could have enabled City to avoid as much as £12m in tax and national-insurance payments.
- During a recent visit to Bursa, Turkey, Mancini accepted that a double-contract arrangement existed but said any responsibility lay with the club. He also repeated that position on social media.
Mancini’s comments come after the Premier League confirmed City had been guilty of failing to provide accurate financial details. The Italian has sought to separate his own legacy at the Etihad Stadium from the club’s wider legal battle.
France next for Italy
Italy now turn to a demanding Nations League trip to face France at the Stade de France. The Azzurri arrive after an uneven sequence, losing at home to Belgium before responding with a 4-1 win over Turkey.
Mancini said Italy must rely on collective strength when facing opponents with more elite individual talent, pointing to Euro 2020 as evidence of what a cohesive side can achieve.
“If you do not have world-class players, you need to create a team that works well together,” he said. “That is what we are trying to build.”
