Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has written an open letter, published on the club's official website, after reports that the club have been found guilty of 114 out of 115 Premier League financial charges.
Chairman's message to supporters
In the letter, Al Mubarak said: "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 added: "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."
Confidentiality and legal process
Al Mubarak said there were many things he would like to share to help supporters understand the club's confidence, but the strict confidentiality of the legal process meant he could not do so at the moment. He noted that even the letter underwent several legal checks to ensure it complies.
He asked supporters to carefully read the statement given on Friday and the statement issued in February 2023, saying: "Every word matters and holds true."
Club's statement and context
City released a statement on Friday (September 25) which said: "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."
Everton were deducted 10 points in November 2023 for breaching the Premier League's then Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR), reduced to six points following a successful appeal. In April 2024 Everton were deducted two points for another breach of PSR. The previous month Nottingham Forest were hit with a four-point deduction, upheld on appeal.
Multiple outlets have stated City have been found guilty by an independent panel on all but one of the 115 charges, which related to alleged breaches between 2009 and 2018. The investigation into City began after financial documents were leaked in November 2018. City's first match after the international break sees them visit Anfield to take on Liverpool on Sunday, October 11.
