Man City Confident of Proving Innocence, Deny Any Wrongdoing

Manchester City chairman, Khaldoon Al Mubarak says he is still confident of proving the club’s innocence after they were found guilty of breaking the Premier League’s financial rules.

City were accused of a wide range of rule breaches, centring around claims they inflated sponsorship revenue from connected companies and made other “off the books” payments to circumvent financial regulations.

On Friday, it was announced City had been found guilty of the vast majority of the 115 charges brought against them and Al Mubarak has responded with a letter to fans on the club’s website.

“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,” Al Mubarak said.

“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.

“There are so many things that I would like to be able to share with you to help you understand why we feel so confident in our position.

“But the strict confidentiality of the legal process and our determination to respect it means I cannot do that at the moment. Even this letter underwent several legal checks to make sure it complies.”

Premier League clubs are seeking legal advice about compensation relating to the charges, while BBC Sport has been told City will appeal.

Sanctions on the club are yet to be announced, but repercussions could include a points deduction, expulsion from the Premier League or a huge fine.

Al Mubarak, who was appointed as City’s chairman after their 2008 takeover, also said his club was being “undermined”.

“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,” he added.

“There remain many who want to undermine the momentum of our club. We will not give them that opportunity.”