Exclusive: Man City Chairman Unleashes Powerful Stance on Premier League Charges

Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak expresses his firm stance on the Premier League charges against the club, emphasizing that City is impeccably managed. The club, who recently achieved a remarkable treble, had their case forwarded to an independent commission by the Premier League in February. This action was taken following the charges of more than 100 violations of financial regulations, which occurred between 2009/10 and 2017/18.

Man City is accused of withholding accurate financial information and failing to disclose the full extent of financial payments made to one of their managers over a span of four years. There are suspicions of a secret contract, suggesting that the manager was receiving a significantly higher salary than officially reported.

Additionally, the Premier League claims that Man City violated UEFA's financial fair play regulations for a period of five years. Furthermore, they assert that Man City has not fully cooperated with the ongoing investigation conducted by the Premier League.

The club have unequivocally denied the allegations, with manager Pep Guardiola recently calling for a quick resolution "for the benefit of everyone".

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Man City completed their treble with the Champions League, beating Inter Milan in Istanbul

"Unfortunately, due to legal reasons, I am unable to discuss them," stated Al Mubarak during his annual address.

"And my usual approach is to provide my comments afterwards. We will proceed with the legal process, allowing it to take the necessary time. Once it concludes, we can engage in a conversation.

Rest assured, I will express my honest and direct opinions on the matter. However, I must unfortunately exercise restraint for the time being.

"It is incredibly disheartening to witness the overshadowing of the remarkable progress being made at this club, both on and off the football field. The achievements of these players, particularly their astounding treble this year, deserve utmost recognition.

I sincerely hope that individuals direct their attention towards assessing and appreciating their football prowess, acknowledging their triumphs on the pitch and in every competition they partake in.

The club's exceptional management has resulted in its current value exceeding six billion dollars. We have attracted world-class investors, thanks to our highly efficient commercial operations, which are considered among the finest globally.

If we were to delve into the specifics, I could spend a considerable amount of time sharing data on our net spending for the previous season, as well as the past three, five, and ten years. By examining these figures alongside those of our competitors, one would realize that the labels "biggest spenders" and "largest squad" frequently thrown at us are merely misconceptions.

Our executives constantly face the scrutiny of top teams worldwide - and this is actually a testament to our success. I deeply respect this acknowledgment as it signifies that we are not only producing exceptional talent on the field, but also nurturing some of the finest executives, scouts, and sporting staff in the world.

And that is a testament to the exceptional work being done by this group. We proudly hold the title of the world's leading football brand, and these are not mere claims, but undeniable facts. The club consistently generates an enormous revenue, further solidifying its position as a powerhouse in the industry.

On Guardiola signing a new contract...

Al Mubarak emphasized the significance of Guardiola signing a new contract in November, highlighting his crucial role as a leader within the club. He expressed confidence in Pep's commitment and stated that their previous discussions had reassured him. The timing of the contract extension was crucial as it provided clarity for the future.

The fact that Guardiola has stayed at City for seven years is a testament to the unique and special environment we have here. It's not just about the management team, players, and coaching staff, but also the city, the fans, and the entire ecosystem that surrounds the club. Staying at City is not just a career decision, but also a lifestyle, personal, and human decision. From a coaching perspective, it's clear that Guardiola sees and appreciates everything we offer him, and that's why he has chosen to stay with us for so long.

On Haaland's form in his first season at City...

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Erling Haaland scored 52 goals in 53 games across all competitions for Man City last season

He has made quite the impact... what truly impressed me about Erling is his unwavering confidence. It's something extraordinary, a confidence mixed with respect.

Imagine having a discussion with your chairman after signing your contract, and confidently stating, "Mr. Chairman, I am here to bring the Champions League trophy to Manchester City. We will win it." This moment truly showcases the immense talent and potential of this player. And let me assure you, Erling's journey is only just starting. What's truly frightening is that this is just the beginning for him.

He always strives for more, never settling for less. I recall a time when he netted five goals in a match, and instead of basking in his achievement, he confided in me, saying, "I could have easily added three or four more to the tally." This was not a jest; it was a genuine belief in his own abilities. In his mind, he pondered, "Perhaps I could have scored seven or even eight that night."

"That winning mentality, that winning recipe, it's the intangible, the anomaly that sets you apart and makes you truly exceptional. And with Erling, I believe our club has found an extraordinary player, one that is truly unbelievable."

On Gundogan's future…

Ilkay's contributions have been truly exceptional. Leading the club as captain during this monumental treble, which includes conquering the Premier League, the FA Cup, and the Champions League, guarantees his everlasting place in Manchester City's history.

As Pep's inaugural signing for Manchester City, Ilkay's impact was apparent from the start. He embodies the club's values of hard work, unwavering commitment, humility, and a relentless drive to win.

"And in crucial moments, when the stakes are high, he consistently delivers. I anticipate the continuation of this remarkable legacy. Ilkay faces significant choices in his personal life, but ultimately, we must completely comprehend and honor our players and their desires."

On how Man City keeping succeeding after the treble...

Next year, we have some exciting competitions ahead of us. For the first time, our club will be participating in the Charity Shield, the Super Cup, and the Club World Cup. Our goal is to emerge victorious in these tournaments and etch our name in the remarkable history and legacy of this esteemed club.

We are constantly pushing the boundaries and raising the bar in everything we do. As I reflect on the Champions League final, there was a light-hearted exchange between myself, Ferran Soriano, Txiki Begiristain, and Pep. After savoring our moment, we shared a knowing glance, acknowledging that the task at hand was to replicate our success.

There is still so much more for us to accomplish, and the challenges and adventures ahead are endless. With optimism, we aim to make the upcoming year another remarkable chapter in our journey.