Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has once again maintained that the club has done nothing wrong and said they remain confident of proving their innocence, a day after media reports claimed City had been found guilty of 114 breaches of Premier League financial regulations.
In an open letter to supporters on Saturday, Al Mubarak stressed that the lengthy legal process was still ongoing and said the club's belief in proving its innocence "is just as strong as when this began".
"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."
Manchester City have consistently rejected the allegations and are expected to appeal any ruling by the independent panel in a case that has remained unresolved in English football for several years.
A guilty ruling would rank among the most consequential decisions in the sport's history, with possible repercussions for financial regulation, competitive integrity and the Premier League's ability to enforce its rules against one of its most successful teams.
Al Mubarak said strict confidentiality requirements surrounding the proceedings limited what he could reveal publicly.
"Even this letter underwent several legal checks to make sure it complies," he said.
He also encouraged supporters to carefully read the statements released by the club on Friday and in February 2023, both of which he reproduced in his open letter.
"I ask you to please carefully read the statement ... which we gave on Friday, and the statement we issued in February 2023 ..." he said. "Every word matters and holds true."
In its February 2023 statement, Manchester City said it was surprised by the alleged breaches, "particularly given the extensive engagement and vast amount of detailed materials that the EPL (English Premier League) has been provided with".
"The club welcomes the review of this matter by an independent commission, to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of its position," the statement said.
The club repeated that position on Friday. The Premier League, meanwhile, has refused to comment on the latest reports.
"It's a confidential process, we're not commenting at all," a spokesperson said.
Al Mubarak also appealed for patience while the proceedings continue.
"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."
