Manchester City chairman, Khaldoon Al Mubarak, says the club remains confident of proving its innocence despite reports that an independent commission found it guilty of 114 of 115 financial charges brought by the Premier League.
Al Mubarak gave the assurance in an open letter to City supporters on Saturday, saying the Premier League process was still ongoing and that the club’s determination to defend its position remained unchanged.
“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 said.
The reported findings relate to alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules between the 2009/10 and 2017/18 seasons, including accusations over financial information, player and manager payments, profitability and sustainability rules, Financial Fair Play regulations and cooperation with the league’s investigation.
City have consistently denied wrongdoing since the Premier League referred the case to an independent commission in February 2023.
Al Mubarak acknowledged that the latest development had raised questions among supporters but said the club could not disclose further details because of the confidentiality surrounding the legal process.
He urged supporters to study the club’s previous statements on the matter, insisting that its position had not changed.The chairman also said City would not allow the controversy to distract the club from its sporting ambitions, pointing to upcoming fixtures after the international break, including a trip to Anfield and a Champions League meeting with Paris Saint-Germain.
Any sanction arising from the commission’s findings has yet to be determined. Possible penalties under the Premier League process could include a fine, points deduction, restrictions on player registration or, in certain circumstances, expulsion from the league.
Manchester City are expected to challenge the commission’s decision through the available appeal process.Al Mubarak concluded his letter by thanking supporters for their continued backing of the club.
