Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has broken his silence after reports that the club was found guilty of 114 breaches of Premier League financial rules, telling supporters that the club remains confident of proving its innocence.
The development has renewed attention on the long-running financial case involving the Premier League champions, with Manchester City expected to appeal the reported decision of an independent panel.
Al Mubarak addressed supporters in an open letter on Saturday, September 26, acknowledging the widespread reaction that followed media reports about the panel’s findings.
He said the legal process was still ongoing and insisted that Manchester City’s determination to defend its position had not changed.
According to Al Mubarak, many Manchester City supporters had spent Friday evening responding to questions from friends, family members and colleagues following the reports.
He said he had also been confronted with questions about the case and reassured supporters that the club remained focused on the legal process.
The chairman stressed that Manchester City’s confidence in proving its innocence was as strong as it had been when the case began.
The club has consistently denied wrongdoing in relation to the allegations.
Reports published on Friday said an independent panel had found Manchester City guilty of 114 of the 115 alleged breaches of Premier League financial regulations.
The case has been running for years and is one of the most closely watched disciplinary proceedings in English football.
Manchester City is expected to appeal the reported findings.
The eventual outcome could have significant implications for the club and could also influence wider discussions about financial regulation and enforcement within the Premier League.
However, the reported decision is not necessarily the final stage of the legal process.
Al Mubarak explained that strict confidentiality surrounding the proceedings limits what the club can publicly disclose.
He said even his open letter to supporters had undergone several legal checks before it was released.
The chairman also directed supporters to previous statements issued by Manchester City, including the club’s February 2023 response when the Premier League charges were initially announced.
Manchester City had previously said it was surprised by the allegations, pointing to what it described as extensive engagement with the Premier League and the large volume of information it had provided during the process.
The club also said at the time that it welcomed examination of the matter by an independent commission.
The Premier League has declined to comment on the latest reports, citing the confidential nature of the proceedings.
A spokesperson said the league would not comment on the case.
That position means that much of the immediate public discussion has centred on media reports of the independent panel’s findings and Manchester City’s response.
Further official details are expected to emerge as the legal process progresses.
The Manchester City chairman also called on supporters to remain patient despite the intense speculation surrounding the case.
He acknowledged that some people had already reached conclusions following the reports but maintained that the club’s position remained unchanged.
Al Mubarak said Manchester City had faced difficult challenges before and expressed confidence in the club’s ability to continue defending its position.
For now, the focus is expected to shift to the club’s anticipated appeal and any further official information concerning the independent panel’s decision.
The financial case has remained a major issue surrounding Manchester City for years, and the next stage of the proceedings could determine the extent of any consequences arising from the reported findings.
RapidoSpace News will continue to follow developments in the Manchester City financial case as the appeal process unfolds.
