Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has reiterated the club’s confidence that it will prove its innocence after an independent commission found the club guilty of the majority of the 115 charges brought by the Premier League.
The verdict, announced on Friday, relates to allegations including the inflation of sponsorship revenues involving connected companies and other payments allegedly made outside the club’s accounts.
City have maintained that their position remains unchanged, with the club expected to appeal the findings. Al Mubarak addressed the situation in a letter to supporters on the club’s official website, stressing that the Premier League process is not yet complete.
“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.”
Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak confident club will prove innocence
Al Mubarak said City could not yet provide supporters with further details because of the confidentiality surrounding the legal proceedings.
The chairman also urged supporters to read the club’s statement issued following Friday’s verdict, which reiterated City’s belief that the process must continue to its conclusion.
The club said on Friday that “significant elements” of the Premier League process remain outstanding and that its position remains consistent with its previous defence of the charges.
Potential sanctions have yet to be determined. Depending on the outcome of the remaining proceedings and any appeal, possible consequences could include a points deduction, a fine or expulsion from the Premier League.
Premier League clubs are also seeking legal advice over whether compensation claims could be pursued in relation to the findings.
Al Mubarak, who has served as Manchester City’s chairman since 2008, also suggested the club was facing attempts to undermine its progress but insisted City would remain focused on the future.
The chairman pointed to City’s upcoming fixtures as the club prepares to return from the international break, including a trip to Liverpool and a Champions League meeting with Paris Saint-Germain at the Etihad Stadium.
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