Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has reassured supporters that the club remains confident of proving its innocence despite reports that an independent commission found it guilty of 114 of the 115 financial charges brought by the Premier League.
Al Mubarak made the comments in an open letter to supporters on Saturday, acknowledging the questions raised by the reported verdict but stressing that the legal process is not yet over. City are expected to appeal, while any sanctions have yet to be determined.
The chairman, who has been involved with City for 18 years, said the club’s position remained unchanged.
“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,” he wrote.
Al Mubarak said City would like to provide supporters with more information about its position but could not do so because of the confidentiality surrounding the proceedings.
“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 said.
“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 added.
He urged fans to read the club’s statements issued on Friday and in February 2023, saying “every word matters and holds true.”
City said on Friday that the Premier League process remained ongoing, with “significant elements” still to be completed and subject to strict confidentiality. The club also maintained that it had respected due process on the understanding that the Premier League would operate as an “independent, impartial and fair-minded regulator, free from partisan influence.”
The charges concern alleged breaches between the 2009/10 and 2017/18 seasons, covering areas including financial reporting, player and manager payments, Financial Fair Play, profitability and sustainability rules, and cooperation with the Premier League’s investigation.
City have consistently denied wrongdoing since the case was referred to an independent commission in February 2023.
Al Mubarak also urged supporters not to be distracted by the latest developments.
“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,” he said.
He then turned his attention to City’s upcoming fixtures, highlighting a trip to Anfield and a Champions League meeting with Paris Saint-Germain at the Etihad Stadium after the international break.
The reported findings do not automatically determine City’s punishment. Any sanctions would be dealt with separately, while an appeal could further affect the outcome of the case.
Al Mubarak ended his message by thanking City supporters for their continued backing.
“Thank you, as always, for your constant support,” he said.