Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has expressed defiance following a reported guilty verdict last week in the Premier League case, which is expected to find the club guilty of nearly all 114 charges. Mr Al Mubarak issued a letter to supporters, stating, “Our confidence and intent in proving the Club’s innocence is just as strong as when this began.”
The chairman's letter, which he noted underwent legal checks for confidentiality compliance, also referenced previous club statements, including one from February 2023 that described a “comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence.” Despite this, the anticipated outcome suggests the independent panel found much of that evidence refutable.
The ongoing case has prompted discussions regarding potential implications for UK trade deals with the United Arab Emirates. Political sources have also considered whether a negative final outcome could affect Sheikh Mansour's standing in Abu Dhabi, and potentially lead to the removal of key individuals from the club.