Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak addressed the club’s supporters on Saturday, urging patience and confidence as the Premier League’s disciplinary process continues. In an open letter, Al Mubarak said the club remains “just as strong” in its resolve to prove its innocence as when the investigation began.
Letter to supporters
Al Mubarak acknowledged the flurry of questions fans faced after Friday’s media reports about a possible guilty verdict on 114 alleged financial rule breaches. He wrote, “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.” He added that the club’s confidence and intent in proving its innocence have not wavered.
Legal constraints and appeal plans
The chairman noted that confidentiality rules limit what he can disclose about the case, and that the letter itself underwent multiple legal checks. He urged fans to read the club’s statements issued on Friday and the earlier February 2023 statement, emphasizing that “every word matters and holds true.” City has denied any wrongdoing and said it will appeal the independent panel’s decision, which could become one of the most significant rulings in football history.
Club’s previous statements
The February 2023 statement expressed surprise at the alleged breaches, citing extensive engagement and detailed material provided to the Premier League. It welcomed an independent review to consider what the club described as “irrefutable evidence” supporting its position. The club reiterated that language in its Friday communication.
Premier League response
The Premier League declined to comment, citing the confidentiality of the process. A league spokesperson said, “We’re not commenting at all.”
Looking ahead
Al Mubarak asked supporters to remain calm, noting that some critics have rushed to conclusions. “We have faced challenges together before and have prevailed,” he wrote. “There remain many who want to undermine the momentum of our club. We will not give them that opportunity.”
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
