Man City Boss Khaldoon Al Mubarak Assures Fans of Club's Clean Slate

Khaldoon Al Mubarak, the chairman of Manchester City Football Club, has communicated to the team's global fanbase that their conviction in clearing their name remains steadfast. This reassurance comes despite recent reports indicating an independent commission's finding of guilt on 114 out of 115 financial charges levied by the Premier League. Al Mubarak conveyed this message through an open letter to City supporters on Saturday, addressing the alleged breaches of the Premier League's financial regulations.

The formal proceedings with the Premier League are still in progress, and the exact penalties have not yet been decided. Manchester City is anticipated to challenge the commission's ruling. Al Mubarak, reflecting on his 18-year tenure with the club, acknowledged the concerns and queries arising from these developments among the supporters, yet he maintained that City's stance and confidence are unshaken. He stated, “Here’s what I said to my family: The Premier League process still has a long way to run, and our confidence and intent in proving the Club’s innocence is just as strong as when this began.”

The chairman explained that while the club possesses information it wishes to share to clarify its position, the strict confidentiality of the legal process prevents them from doing so at this time. “There are so many things that I would like to be able to share with you to help you understand why we feel so confident in our position,” he added. “But the strict confidentiality of the legal process and our determination to respect it means I cannot do that at the moment. Even this letter underwent several legal checks to make sure it complies.” He advised supporters to thoroughly review the club’s official statements released on Friday and in February 2023, emphasizing that “every word matters and holds true.”

Manchester City had previously confirmed on Friday that the Premier League investigation was ongoing, with “significant elements” still pending completion and subject to stringent confidentiality. The club also reiterated its long-held belief that it has adhered to due process for eight years, expecting the Premier League’s board and executive to operate as an “independent, impartial and fair-minded regulator, free from partisan influence.”

Since the Premier League referred the case to an independent commission in February 2023, City has consistently denied any wrongdoing. The charges cover alleged infractions between the 2009/10 and 2017/18 seasons, including accusations related to providing accurate financial data, payments to players and managers, adherence to Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules, profitability and sustainability regulations, and alleged failures to cooperate with the Premier League’s inquiry. These investigations into City’s finances commenced after allegations surfaced in 2018. UEFA had previously sanctioned the club for FFP breaches in 2020, imposing a €30m fine and a two-season ban from European competitions, though the Court of Arbitration for Sport later overturned the ban and reduced the fine to €10m.

Al Mubarak stressed that the club would not be sidetracked by what he perceives as attempts to undermine their progress. He remarked, “While some people have been quick to reach their own conclusions, and there is so much noise swirling around us, nothing has changed. We have faced challenges together before and have prevailed. There remain many who want to undermine the momentum of our Club. We will not give them that opportunity.”

The chairman also looked forward to the club’s forthcoming matches, mentioning “some exciting moments” post-international break, including an away game at Anfield and a Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain at the Etihad Stadium. It is important to note that the commission’s reported guilty findings do not automatically result in points deductions or expulsion from the Premier League. Potential sanctions could include a points deduction, fines, suspension from league fixtures, restrictions on player registration, compensation, and in extreme cases, league expulsion. The specific punishment remains undecided and can be contested through the Premier League’s appeal mechanism. Al Mubarak concluded his letter by expressing gratitude to the supporters for their unwavering loyalty, saying, “Thank you, as always, for your constant support.”