Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has admitted it is “frustrating” that the club’s success is constantly tempered by reminders of the 115 Premier League charges against them.
City are facing charges for alleged breaches of regulations and financial rules between 2009 and 2023 – charges they strongly deny.
Khaldoon said it was “frustrating” to hear repeated references to the charges as Abu Dhabi-owned City closed in on their historic fourth consecutive Premier League title.
Speaking to the club’s internal media in his annual end-of-season address, Khaldoon said: “Of course, it’s frustrating. I think the reference is always frustrating.
“Having it being talked about the way it’s being talked about, I can feel, of course, for our fan base, for everyone associated with the club, to have these charges constantly referenced.
“We as a club have to respect that there’s a process that we have to go through, and we’ll go through it. It’s taking longer than anyone hoped for but it is what it is.”
He also urged football authorities to show “more sensibility” in how they police the game’s finances.
Khaldoon made the remarks before The Times newspaper reported Tuesday that City had issued a legal claim challenging the validity of the Premier League’s associated party transaction (APT) rules.
The rules relate to clubs signing sponsorship deals with companies linked to their owners.
The Times reported City had launched legal action against the Premier League alleging “discrimination” – a move that could have far-reaching consequences.
The Times said the City would try to end the APT rules, which they are understood to claim are unlawful, and seek damages.
The Premier League tightened rules regarding APTs in February.
