Manchester City’s chairman, Khaldoon Al Mubarak, has voiced frustration over the ongoing Premier League charges against the club, describing it as “frustrating” that their success is overshadowed by the legal proceedings.
The charges, totaling 115, are related to alleged breaches of regulations and financial rules spanning from 2009 to 2023, charges vehemently denied by the club.
In his annual end-of-season address to the club’s internal media, Khaldoon expressed his disappointment at the persistent references to the charges, especially as City closed in on their historic fourth consecutive Premier League title.
“Of course, it’s frustrating,” Khaldoon remarked. “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.”
He emphasized the need to respect the due process and reiterated the club’s commitment to navigating through the legal proceedings, despite the lengthier-than-expected duration.
Furthermore, Khaldoon urged football authorities to exercise “more sensibility” in their financial regulations, particularly in light of City’s legal challenge against the Premier League’s associated party transaction (APT) rules.
City’s legal action against the APT rules, which they argue are unlawful, could have significant ramifications for club sponsorship deals and financial oversight within football.
The Premier League tightened rules concerning APTs in February, prompting City’s legal challenge, as reported by The Times.
Khaldoon’s remarks come amid reports of a potential shift in financial regulations across European football competitions, with UEFA imposing stricter spending limits on clubs’ squad costs.
Addressing Pep Guardiola’s future at the club, Khaldoon expressed confidence in finding the “right solution” in collaboration with the manager. Guardiola’s contract with Manchester City runs until 2025, but recent comments from the manager have hinted at uncertainty regarding his long-term tenure.
The ongoing legal and regulatory challenges underscore the complexities faced by one of English football’s most successful clubs, as they strive to balance on-field achievements with off-field legal battles and financial constraints.
AFP
