Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has spoken publicly for the first time since the club was found guilty on virtually all counts of breaching Premier League financial rules. In a statement issued on Saturday afternoon, Al Mubarak declared that “nothing has changed” and emphasized that the club’s confidence and intent in proving its innocence remain as strong as when the investigation began. News had broken on Friday that the club was found guilty on 114 of the 115 charges originally laid by the Premier League in February 2023, charges the club has consistently and vehemently denied.
Addressing the public reaction, Al Mubarak noted that while some have been quick to reach their own conclusions amid the “noise swirling around us,” the club has faced and prevailed over challenges before. He stated that there are many who wish to undermine the club's momentum, but vowed that the organization would not provide them with that opportunity. Looking ahead, he pointed to upcoming matches against Liverpool at Anfield and Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League at the Etihad Stadium as moments to celebrate the strength of the Manchester City family, while thanking supporters for their constant backing.
Earlier, manager Enzo Maresca posted a cryptic message on social media. When approached on Saturday morning for comment regarding whether he was seeking reassurance from the club, his representatives provided a screenshot of a quote by the Greek philosopher Socrates, which Maresca had posted on Instagram. The quote reads: “The only thing I know is that I know nothing.” Maresca added his own commentary: “Time to breathe. Time to analyse. Time to learn.”
The verdict has drawn varied reactions from across the football community. Oasis musician and long-time Manchester City supporter Noel Gallagher expressed shock and sadness on the Let Me Talk podcast. Gallagher noted he was surprised because the club had assured fans all along that they denied the charges. Regarding the impact on past achievements, such as Sergio Agüero’s 2012 title-winning goal, Gallagher maintained that the focus for fans is on the pitch. He argued that whatever happens in the boardroom is separate from the supporters and players, stating, “Whether some of those players should have been there or not, that’s nothing to do with the fans.”
Former Manchester City chair David Bernstein, who led the club from 1998 to 2003, told Times Radio that he felt “absolutely awful” and in shock. He expressed sadness that the club’s progress is being tarnished. Bernstein emphasized that the appeal process must be conducted quickly to avoid a “disaster” for English football, noting that the club cannot continue to play with a cloud over its head. Regarding potential consequences, he stated that if the club is found guilty after the appeal, a fine would not be sufficient, and the penalty would need to be “more drastic.”
Government officials also weighed in, with culture secretary Lisa Nandy describing the situation as unsettling for fans and expressing hope for a swift resolution. She noted that the investigation dates back to 2009 and that fans need to know rules are applied consistently. Nigel Huddleston, the former shadow secretary of state for culture, stated on X that the next steps must be conducted in an accelerated and transparent manner to avoid further damage to the reputation of English football. A Manchester City spokesperson reiterated that the club continues to respect due process, maintaining a position consistent with its February 2023 statement, and expects the Premier League to act as an impartial regulator free from partisan influence.
Bernstein, City’s chair from 1998-2003, told Times Radio: “I felt absolutely awful, I felt in shock yesterday. You’ve asked me on the programme because of my time as chair of City and the FA, but basically I’m a fan of Manchester City and have been a fan for 70 years.
On BBC Radio 5 Live, Nandy said: “Most football fans will be feeling this is not a good moment for football as a whole and Manchester City fans will be feeling very anxious about what happens next.This is a really longstanding investigation, it dates all the way back to allegations that begin in 2009.
