Manchester City Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak Reaffirms Club Innocence Amid 115 Charges Case

Chairman Asserts Innocence Amid Legal Confidentiality

Addressing supporters in a message released on September 26, 2026, Al Mubarak stated that the legal process still has a long way to run. According to Sky Sports News, the case is shifting toward an appeal phase following reports regarding the initial findings on the more than 100 alleged breaches. Al Mubarak told fans via 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. Source: Sky Sports News The club chairman noted that strict legal confidentiality prevents him from sharing details that explain the club’s internal confidence. He pointed readers back to statements issued by Manchester City in February 2023 when the charges were first brought, as well as a subsequent update released on September 25, 2026. Al Mubarak added in his message 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. Source: Sky Sports News

Historical Context and Financial Fair Play Timeline

The Premier League charged Manchester City in February 2023 following an investigation that spanned multiple years and examined financial dealings between 2009 and 2018. According to reports from the Associated Press, the charges allege the club provided misleading financial information and failed to cooperate with investigators. During the specific period covered by the case, Manchester City secured three Premier League titles under managers Roberto Mancini and Manuel Pellegrini, alongside the early tenure of Pep Guardiola. In total, the club won eight trophies during those years, alongside substantial investment from Abu Dhabi’s ruling family, who purchased the club in 2008. City previously faced scrutiny from European governing body UEFA. In 2020, UEFA ruled that the club committed serious breaches of Financial Fair Play regulations between 2012 and 2016, imposing a two-year ban. However, that ban was subsequently overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport after allegations were either rejected or deemed time-barred.

Reactions from Former Leadership and Supporters

The latest developments have drawn reactions across English football. Former Manchester City chairman David Bernstein, who served the club from 1998 to 2003, told Times Radio that he felt awful upon hearing news of the reported findings. To see all this tarnished in this way is very sad, Bernstein told Times Radio, adding that any final penalty after appeals would need to be drastic if guilt is established. Bernstein also emphasized the urgency of concluding the legal battle quickly to lift the ongoing cloud over the team. Musician and prominent club supporter Noel Gallagher also shared his reaction on the Let Me Talk podcast, stating that he was surprised and saddened by the news given the club’s consistent denials throughout the multi-year investigation.

Upcoming Fixtures and On-Field Focus

Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, Al Mubarak urged supporters to focus on upcoming matches following the international break. Manchester City is scheduled to travel to Anfield before returning to the Etihad Stadium to host Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. In its September 25, 2026 statement, the club emphasized that it has diligently respected due process for eight years on the assumption that the Premier League Board and Executive would operate as an independent and impartial regulator. With significant elements of the process still pending, the club maintains its original stance as the matter moves toward appeal.