Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has expressed his frustration over the persistent reminders of the 115 Premier League charges against the club, which overshadow their ongoing success. The charges, which relate to alleged breaches of regulations and financial rules between 2009 and 2023, are strongly denied by City.
In his annual end-of-season address to the club’s internal media, Khaldoon acknowledged the frustration felt by the club and its fans. “Of course, it’s frustrating,” he said. “I think the reference is always frustrating. Having it being talked about the way it’s being talked about, I can feel, of course, for our fan base, for everyone associated with the club, to have these charges constantly referenced.”
Despite the prolonged nature of the process, Khaldoon emphasized the club’s commitment to respecting it. “We as a club have to respect that there’s a process that we have to go through, and we’ll go through it. It’s taking longer than anyone hoped for but it is what it is,” he added.
Khaldoon also called for greater sensibility in how football authorities regulate the game’s finances, urging a balanced approach that benefits all leagues.
His comments came before a report by The Times on Tuesday, which revealed that City had issued a legal claim challenging the validity of the Premier League’s associated party transaction (APT) rules. These rules pertain to clubs signing sponsorship deals with companies linked to their owners. City’s legal action alleges discrimination and aims to end the APT rules, which they argue are unlawful, and seek damages.
The Times reported that City’s challenge to the APT rules will be addressed at an arbitration hearing starting Monday. If successful, this could eliminate the APT system, allowing clubs to strike commercial deals without independent oversight.
Premier League club chairmen are set to gather on Thursday for their annual general meeting, where a significant number of clubs are expected to express support for the existing sponsorship rules.
In the same interview, Khaldoon expressed confidence in finding a “right solution” regarding manager Pep Guardiola’s future at the club. Guardiola, whose contract runs until 2025, recently hinted at challenges in maintaining motivation following their fourth consecutive league title.
“With Pep, we’ve had this conversation many times before over the years of the contract,” Khaldoon stated. “Pep has always been fully committed to this club, fully committed to every contract he’s signed with us. The decision on his future is always a decision we take together, and I have no doubt we will find, as we always have done, the right solution that works for Pep and works for us.”
City’s rise has been significantly supported by sponsorship deals with related parties in the Gulf, such as Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways, which sponsors the club’s stadium and shirts. As European governing body UEFA tightens spending regulations, Khaldoon anticipates a decrease in transfer spending levels due to these new financial controls.
Khaldoon’s remarks highlight the ongoing tension between Manchester City’s achievements on the pitch and the scrutiny they face off it, as the club continues to navigate complex regulatory and legal challenges.
