Pep Guardiola is “happy” Manchester City’s hearing into their 115 charges for breaching FFP (Financial Fair Play) regulations will begin on Monday.
Guardiola appeared uncomfortable when quizzed on the upcoming hearing, which alleges City breached the Premier League’s financial rules between 2009 and 2018.
But the Spaniard - whose City side host Brentford on Saturday - insists he will welcome the outcome.
"It starts soon and then hopefully finishes soon,” Guardiola said. “An independent panel will decide and I am looking forward to the decision."
"I am not a lawyer. Erling [Haaland] is not a lawyer, no. There are many lawyers in this country and in Spain, but I will wait and see.
"I'm happy it's starting on Monday. We will accept the sentence. I know there will be more rumours and more about the [possible] sentences but we will see.
“I know what people are expecting as it’s what I’ve read for many years. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty."
A final verdict, including any appeal, is expected before the end of the season.
And La Liga president Javier Tebas claims that most Premier League clubs want to see City punished.
"I have spoken with many Premier League clubs and most of them understand that City should be sanctioned," he said.
Tebas added "they were once acquitted by the CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sport) for a formal matter,” suggesting the reversal of the UEFA ban only came on a technicality.
City have won the Premier League for the last four consecutive seasons and currently sit top of the table having won their opening three matches.
