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Rob Dawson, reporter
Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Manchester City president, said he was frustrated that the club’s achievements on the field were overshadowed by accusations of financial irregularities.
City were crowned champions for a record fourth consecutive season, achieving the Premier League title six times in seven seasons.
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But for many outside the club, the unprecedented success is tainted by allegations that they broke the Premier League’s financial rules.
More than 100 charges were brought against City in February 2023. The hearing is due to begin in November, more than 18 months after the Premier League first announced the charges.
Khaldoun said in an interview with the official City Club channels: “Of course it is frustrating.”
“I think it’s always frustrating to point out. After it’s talked about the way it’s talked about. I can feel our fan base, and everyone associated with the club, constantly pointing to these accusations.
“I think as a club we have to respect that there is a process that we have to go through, and we are going through it.
“It has taken longer than anyone had hoped, but it is what it is, and I have always repeated, let us judge by the facts, not by claims and counter-claims.”
It was revealed on Monday that City are responding to the Premier League with a legal challenge to the competition’s associated party transactions (APT) rules in a separate legal case for the charges they face for allegedly breaching the division’s financial rules.
The private arbitration hearing is scheduled to begin next week. Khaldun, who was speaking in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, was not asked specifically about the legal action against the Premier League, but hinted that the level of regulation might prevent City and other clubs from spending heavily on new players during the summer transfer window.
“I think the English Premier League got to where it is today by being the most competitive league,” Khaldun said.
He added: “So, I hope there will be a little more sensitivity in the organisation. A balanced approach is always a good thing from all leagues, whether it’s in England or the rest of Europe.”
“I think you will not see the same level (of transfer spending) as we have seen in recent years, because of the levels of regulations that have been implemented over the last 12 months.
“I think the level of maneuverability that existed before that allowed teams to do what they were able to do in the past, and I think it’s become more restricted this year and that will be reflected, I think, this summer.”
In addition to reshaping the squad, Pep Guardiola’s future is also on City’s agenda this summer. Guardiola has one year remaining on his contract, and he hinted that after eight years, he is approaching the end of his coaching period at Etihad Stadium. Khaldun said that the decision about Guardiola’s future “will be made with the club when the time is right.”
“We’ve had this conversation many times before, you know, over the course of the decade,” Khaldun said.
“Pep has always been fully committed to this club, fully committed to every contract he has signed with us. This decision about his future is always a decision we will make together, and I have no doubt that we will find, as always, that we have done the right solution that suits Pep and suits us.” .
