Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has called for patience as the club awaits a ruling on over 100 charges of alleged breaches of Premier League financial regulations. The charges, first brought in February 2023 following a lengthy investigation, have cast a shadow over the club’s recent successes.
Speaking this week, Khaldoon acknowledged the uncertainty but stressed the importance of awaiting the outcome of the independent commission’s review, which concluded its hearings in December 2023. “We still don’t have a ruling,” he said. “Once there’s a ruling, I’ll be able to speak about it. Until then we just have to be patient… and we will talk about it, I promise you.”
The charges relate to a series of alleged financial infractions spanning from 2009 to 2018, including failure to provide accurate financial information, undisclosed payments to former manager Roberto Mancini, and incomplete reporting of player remuneration. The Premier League also accuses City of failing to cooperate with the investigation between 2018 and 2023.
Manchester City have consistently denied any wrongdoing and, at the time the charges were announced, said they welcomed the opportunity for an impartial review of what they described as a “comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence.”
If found guilty, the club could face significant sanctions, including a points deduction, hefty fines, or even relegation from the Premier League.
Despite the looming decision, City continue to focus on their footballing ambitions. They are set to compete in FIFA’s newly expanded 32-team Club World Cup next month, a tournament Khaldoon views as the official start of their next campaign.
“This is a very, very serious competition,” he said. “A big number of the top teams in the world will be competing… and I can assure you, we’re going to give it our best shot.”
FIFPRO and European leagues have raised concerns over the tournament’s scheduling, citing player welfare and a lack of consultation by FIFA. Nevertheless, City appear determined to compete at full strength as they prepare for what could be another historic season, pending the outcome of the long-awaited ruling.
Written By Rodney Mbua
