Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has reiterated the club’s innocence and said they remain confident of proving their case, a day after media reports claimed City had been found guilty of 114 breaches of Premier League financial rules.
In an open letter to supporters on Saturday, Al Mubarak said the long-running process was far from over and insisted the club’s confidence in proving its innocence “is just as strong as when this began”.
“Following Friday’s media reporting, many of you will have spent your evening answering questions and responding to messages from friends, family and colleagues. So have I,” Al Mubarak said.
“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.”
City have consistently denied any wrongdoing and are expected to appeal the decision of the independent panel in a case that has hung over English football for years.
A guilty verdict would represent one of the most significant rulings in the sport’s history, with potential implications for financial regulation, competitive integrity and the Premier League’s ability to enforce its rules against one of its most successful clubs.
Al Mubarak said he was restricted in what he could say because of the strict confidentiality surrounding the legal process.
“Even this letter underwent several legal checks to make sure it complies,” he said.
He urged supporters to read carefully the statements issued by the club on Friday and in February 2023, which he included in his open letter.
“I ask you to please carefully read the statement … which we gave on Friday, and the statement we issued in February 2023 …” he said. “Every word matters and holds true.”
In its February 2023 statement, City said it was surprised by the alleged breaches, “particularly given the extensive engagement and vast amount of detailed materials that the EPL (English Premier League) has been provided with”.
“The club welcomes the review of this matter by an independent commission, to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of its position,” the statement said.
City reiterated that statement on Friday. The Premier League has declined to comment on the latest reports.
“It’s a confidential process, we’re not commenting at all,” a spokesperson said.
Al Mubarak also urged supporters to be patient as the case continues. “While some people have been quick to reach their own conclusions, and there is so much noise swirling around us, nothing has changed,” he said.
“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.”
– Ends
