Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak vows to fight financial charges

Manchester City remain determined to prove their innocence in the Premier League’s long-running financial case, chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has told supporters.

Al Mubarak said “nothing has changed” despite recent reports about the outcome of the proceedings, with the club expected to appeal after reportedly being found responsible for the majority of the allegations.

The Premier League charged Manchester City in February 2023 after a lengthy investigation into alleged breaches of financial rules between 2009 and 2018.

The charges include claims that the club supplied inaccurate financial information, overstated sponsorship income involving connected companies and made payments that were not included in its declared accounts.

Manchester City have consistently denied any wrongdoing.

In a message to supporters, Al Mubarak said the club remained confident it would clear its name. However, he said strict legal confidentiality meant Manchester City could not discuss the details of the case.

“The Premier League process still has a long way to run,” he said.

Al Mubarak added that the club’s determination to establish its innocence was “just as strong as when this began”.

He also encouraged supporters to refer to previous statements issued by Manchester City, saying the club’s position had not changed.

No punishment has been announced. Possible sanctions include a fine, a points deduction or, in the most serious scenario, expulsion from the Premier League.

Other Premier League clubs are reportedly seeking legal advice about possible compensation connected to the case. The league has declined to comment on the confidential proceedings.

Manchester City have also continued to criticise the regulatory process, saying they expected the Premier League to handle the matter independently and impartially.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the legal case, Al Mubarak urged supporters to concentrate on the club’s forthcoming matches.

Those fixtures include a visit to Anfield and a Champions League meeting with Paris Saint-Germain.

The case is now moving towards its next legal stage, with Manchester City continuing to defend their position and preparing for an appeal.