Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak insists they retain strong belief in their innocence after being found guilty of 114 breaches of Premier League financial regulations.
The long awaited verdict in the case that has cast a cloud over City’s continued on-field success was finally reported on Friday.
City were found guilty on all but one of the 115 charges against them, which were brought in 2023 following a four-year investigation. The charges cover a nine-year period from 2009 to 2018.
The sanctions against City have not been decided and, with an appeal expected from the club, the case may still drag on for some time.
Following the release of a brief statement from City on Friday, Al Mubarak published an open letter to fans on Saturday, which made it clear the verdict has had no impact on the club’s position.
The letter read: “I have been part of this club for 18 years. I have had the privilege to stand with you in the Etihad, at Wembley, and in Istanbul.
“This club matters to me, and you have shown and told me – time and time again – how much Manchester City matters to you. This is why I am writing to you today.
“Following Friday’s media reporting, many of you will have spent your evening answering questions and responding to messages from friends, family and colleagues. So have I. Here’s what I said to my family: 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.
“There are so many things that I would like to be able to share with you to help you understand why we feel so confident in our position. But the strict confidentiality of the legal process and our determination to respect it means I cannot do that at the moment. Even this letter underwent several legal checks to make sure it complies.
“While some people have been quick to reach their own conclusions, and there is so much noise swirling around us, nothing has changed. We have faced challenges together before and have prevailed. There remain many who want to undermine the momentum of our club. We will not give them that opportunity.
“We have some exciting moments to look forward to after this international break. We travel to Anfield in a fortnight, and then host Paris St Germain in the Champions League back at Etihad Stadium – moments that give us an opportunity to celebrate the strength of the Manchester City family.
“Thank you, as always, for your constant support.”
City chairman stands by previous club statements
Al Mubarak also referred fans to the statement made on Friday and their initial response to the charges in 2023, saying that “every word matters and holds true.”
Friday’s statement read: “The Premier League process remains ongoing, with significant elements to be completed, and subject to strict confidentiality. As such Manchester City FC’s position remains consistent with the club’s statement of February 2023.
“The club has diligently respected due process for eight years on the basis that the Premier League Board and Executive would behave as an independent, impartial and fair-minded regulator, free from partisan influence.”
City’s statement in reply to the charges being handed down in February, 2023 read: “Manchester City FC is surprised by the issuing of these alleged breaches of the Premier League Rules, particularly given the extensive engagement and vast amount of detailed materials that the EPL has been provided with.
“The club welcomes the review of this matter by an independent Commission, to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of its position.
“As such we look forward to this matter being put to rest once and for all.”
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