Manchester City’s legal battle could be complicated by chairman’s diplomatic immunity

Manchester City could face severe sanctions over alleged financial breaches, but any legal action connected to the case may be complicated by the diplomatic immunity held by club chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak.

According to the Financial Times, Al Mubarak has benefited from the protection since 2020, when he was formally registered as an accredited member of the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in London. His status is linked to his position within the UAE government and is recognised by the British authorities.

That diplomatic standing provides protection from certain legal proceedings in the United Kingdom. It could therefore affect any action involving Al Mubarak personally as the Premier League’s case against Manchester City develops.

An independent commission has found Manchester City guilty of financial breaches which allegedly took place between 2009 and 2018. The ruling said the club had used fictitious commercial contracts to inflate its revenues and conceal costs exceeding £900m.

The potential consequences may extend beyond sporting penalties imposed on Manchester City. Officials who were in senior positions at the club during the period under investigation could also face scrutiny from the Independent Football Regulator, according to Spanish newspaper Sport.

The regulator oversees English football and has legal powers to remove owners or directors if it concludes they do not meet the required standards of integrity and suitability.

The case could also attract the attention of the Serious Fraud Office, the UK agency responsible for investigating major economic crimes. That would be possible if evidence emerged that Manchester City had deliberately falsified its accounts in breach of UK legislation.

Manchester City categorically denies committing any such offence.

The Premier League’s case represents a significant legal challenge for the club, with the possible ramifications extending beyond football-related sanctions to the status of individuals involved in its leadership. However, the extent to which Al Mubarak’s diplomatic position could restrict or delay proceedings remains central to the potential legal process.