Khaldoon Al Mubarak Says Manchester City Stand Firm in Charges Case

Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has insisted the club’s position has not altered as it awaits the next stage of its Premier League financial case, saying City remain determined to establish their innocence.

His message followed reports on Friday that City are expected to be found guilty of most of the alleged rule breaches brought by the league. The club did not directly reject those reports in its response, instead stating that the legal process is still under way.

Quick facts

• The Premier League announced its charges against Manchester City in February 2023 after a four-year investigation.
• The allegations concern a nine-year period from 2009 to 2018.
• An independent hearing in London began in September 2024 and concluded in December after 12 weeks.
• Possible sanctions range from a financial penalty to a points deduction or removal from the Premier League.
• City are expected to challenge any finding of guilt through an appeal.

Al Mubarak, who has been involved with City for 18 years, wrote to supporters after the reporting emerged. He said he understood that fans had been fielding questions from friends, relatives and colleagues, and said he had received similar questions himself.

“The Premier League process still has a long way to run,” Al Mubarak said. “Our confidence and intent in proving the Club’s innocence is just as strong as when this began.”

He said there was material he would like to share to explain the club’s confidence, but added that the confidentiality rules surrounding the proceedings prevented him from doing so. Al Mubarak said even his letter had been subjected to legal review before publication.

The chairman urged supporters to revisit City’s statement issued on Friday and its initial response from February 2023, when the charges were made public. He said the wording of both statements remained relevant.

“Nothing has changed,” he said, while arguing that outside voices were attempting to disrupt the club’s progress. City have consistently denied wrongdoing throughout the case.

The Premier League’s complaint centres on its belief that City failed to provide accurate financial information presenting a true and fair picture of the club’s position. The league declined to discuss the matter, describing it as private and confidential.

The hearing was held at the International Dispute Resolution Centre in London. Any adverse ruling could produce a range of punishments, including a fine, a deduction of league points or expulsion, though the eventual outcome and sanction process have yet to be confirmed.

Al Mubarak also turned attention to City’s forthcoming fixtures after the international break, with a trip to Liverpool’s Anfield scheduled in a fortnight before Paris Saint-Germain visit the Etihad Stadium in the Champions League.

He described those matches as opportunities for the club’s supporters to demonstrate their unity, and thanked them for their continued backing.