Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has reiterated the club's confidence in proving their innocence following media reports claiming they have been found guilty of all but one of the 115 charges against them.
The reports emerged on Friday afternoon suggesting a verdict had been reached in the case against the former Premier League champions, though no official statement confirming the outcome has been released.
Chairman breaks silence
Al Mubarak addressed fans in a statement shared on the club website on Saturday afternoon, writing: "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."
He acknowledged the impact of Friday's reporting, adding: "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."
Confidence remains strong
Al Mubarak noted he would like to share more details but is bound by confidentiality: "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."
He urged fans to review the club's Friday statement and the one issued in February 2023, saying: "Every word matters and holds true." He added: "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."
Looking ahead
Al Mubarak highlighted upcoming fixtures: "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."
He concluded: "Thank you, as always, for your constant support."
