Manchester City’s chairman, Khaldoon Al Mubarak, has reiterated his conviction that the club will ultimately be cleared of the Premier League’s 115‑point Financial Fair Play case after a wave of reports surfaced on Friday. According to Sky Sports News, the matter is now moving into an appeal phase, following claims that the majority of the accusations against the club for breaching the league’s financial regulations have been substantiated. In response, Al Mubarak issued a statement on Saturday afternoon, emphasizing that "our confidence and intent in proving the club's innocence is just as strong as when this began." In his message to the club’s supporters, Al Mubarak acknowledged the flood of inquiries that followed the media coverage on Friday. "Many of you spent your evening answering questions and responding to messages from friends, family and colleagues," he wrote, adding that he had done the same.
He explained, "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." He went on to say that there were numerous details he would like to share to help fans understand why the club feels so assured about its position, but that the confidentiality of the legal proceedings prevents him from doing so at this stage. "Even this letter underwent several legal checks to make sure it complies," he noted, underscoring the careful handling of any public communication. Al Mubarak also directed readers to the club’s official statement released on Friday, which responded to the latest media speculation, as well as to the February 2023 announcement made when the club first faced more than 100 alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules. He stressed that the circumstances have not altered since those initial charges.
"While some people have been quick to reach their own conclusions, and there is so much noise swirling around us, nothing has changed," he said. "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 the upcoming fixtures that he believes will provide a morale boost for the Manchester City family.
After the international break, the team will travel to Anfield in two weeks, and then host Paris Saint‑Germain in the Champions League at the Etihad Stadium. He described these matches as "moments that give us an opportunity to celebrate the strength of the Manchester City family." The club’s formal statement on Friday, September 25, 2026, reiterated that the Premier League’s investigative process is still ongoing, with significant elements yet to be completed and bound by strict confidentiality. Consequently, Manchester City’s stance remains consistent with the position outlined in the February 2023 statement.
The club emphasized that it has respected due process for eight years, trusting that the Premier League Board and Executive would act as an independent, impartial, and fair‑minded regulator, free from partisan influence. When the charges were first announced in February 2023, Manchester City responded with a firm declaration. The club expressed surprise at the alleged breaches, noting the extensive engagement and the large volume of detailed material that had already been provided to the Premier League. It welcomed an independent commission to review the case, stating that the commission would consider the "comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence" supporting the club’s position.
The club concluded that it looked forward to the matter being resolved definitively. Throughout this protracted dispute, Al Mubarak has maintained a steady tone, balancing transparency with the legal necessity of confidentiality.
He has repeatedly emphasized the club’s confidence in its compliance with financial regulations and its belief that the Premier League’s investigative mechanisms will ultimately vindicate City. By referencing both the recent appeal stage and the original February 2023 statements, he aims to reassure supporters that the club’s legal strategy has remained unchanged and that it continues to cooperate fully with the league’s procedures.
The broader context of this case reflects the increasing scrutiny that top‑flight clubs face regarding financial sustainability and fair competition. The Premier League’s Financial Fair Play rules are designed to prevent clubs from spending beyond their means, ensuring a level playing field.
Manchester City, as one of the league’s most financially powerful entities, has been a focal point of this regulatory environment. The club’s ongoing legal battle underscores the tension between ambitious sporting projects and the regulatory frameworks intended to preserve competitive balance. Fans and observers alike are awaiting the next steps in the appeal process, which could set important precedents for how financial regulations are enforced in the future. Al Mubarak’s message, while constrained by legal considerations, aims to keep the fan base informed and united, reinforcing the notion that the club’s integrity remains intact despite the external pressures.
In summary, Khaldoon Al Mubarak has publicly reaffirmed Manchester City’s steadfast belief in its innocence regarding the 115 alleged Financial Fair Play violations. He has highlighted the ongoing nature of the Premier League’s investigation, the upcoming high‑profile fixtures, and the club’s historical commitment to due process. While the legal constraints limit the details he can disclose, his consistent messaging seeks to maintain confidence among supporters and to underscore the club’s resolve to see the matter resolved in its favor.