Man City: Premier League accusations ‘frustrating’, says Khaldoon al-Mubarak

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Image caption: Khaldoon al-Mubarak has been chairman of Manchester City since 2008Article information

• Author, Simon Stone
• Role, chief football news reporter

• 5 hours ago

Manchester City chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak says he is “frustrated” with the club’s achievements on the field being accompanied by repeated reminders of the 115 Premier League charges laid against them.

But in the autumn a Premier League disciplinary panel is expected to hear the case against City for alleged breaches of its financial regulations, some of which date back to 2009.

“Of course it’s frustrating,” Khaldoon told City’s internal media in his annual end-of-season speech. “The reference is always frustrating.

“I feel that our fan base and everyone associated with the club have these allegations constantly referenced.

“It is taking longer than expected, but there is a process we have to go through. I have always repeated: let us be judged by the facts and not by statements and counterclaims.”

An arbitration hearing surrounding the legality of the league’s Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules, which determine whether sponsorship deals are financially “fair,” has been scheduled for June 10-21.

Khaldoon was asked about the likely impact of financial regulations on this summer’s transfer window, given different competitions have different rules. His response was given without the knowledge that the city’s current position would be made public.

“The Premier League got to where it is today by being the most competitive league,” he said. “So I hope there is a little more sensitivity in regulation. A balanced approach is good in all leagues.

“There were a lot of restrictions placed on swaps and loans, so even that is now much more restricted. I believe this will be reflected this summer.”

Guardiola has won 15 trophies at the club since his appointment in 2016.

The 53-year-old has one year left on his current contract, which he signed in November 2022.

The former Barcelona manager suggested after winning the Premier League title in May that he could leave the club in 2025, when your contract expires.

“Pep has always been fully committed to this club and to every contract he signed with us,” said Al-Mubarak.

“This decision about his future is always a decision we make together and I have no doubt we will find the right solution that works for Pep and works for us.”

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