Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has said he is frustrated that the club's achievements on the field are being tarnished by allegations of financial irregularities.
City were crowned champions for a record fourth consecutive year to claim six Premier League titles in seven seasons.
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But for many outside the club, the unprecedented success is marred by accusations that they have breached the Premier League's financial rules.
City were hit with more than 100 charges in February 2023. A hearing is due to begin in November, more than 18 months after the Premier League first made the allegations public.
“Of course, it's frustrating,” Khaldoon said in an interview with City's official club channels.
“I think the references are always frustrating. To have it talked about the way it is. I can feel that our fan base, and everyone associated with the club, has constant references to these positions.
“I think we, as a club, have to respect that there is a process we have to go through, and we are going through it.
“It is taking longer than anyone expected, but it is what it is, and I have always repeated it, let us be judged by the facts, and not by claims and counterclaims.”
It was revealed on Monday that City are hitting back at the Premier League with a legal challenge to the competition's associated party transactions (APT) rules in a separate legal case to the charges they face for allegedly breaching the division's financial rules. .
A private arbitration hearing is scheduled to begin next week. Khaldoon, speaking in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, was not asked specifically about the legal proceedings against the Premier League but hinted that the level of regulation could prevent City and other clubs from spending heavily on new players during the transfer window. summer.
“I think the Premier League got to where it is today by being the most competitive league,” Khaldoon said.
“So I hope there is a bit more sensitivity in the regulation. A balanced approach is always good in all leagues, whether in England or the rest of Europe.
“I think you won't see the same level [of transfer spend] as we have seen in recent years, due to the levels of regulations that have been implemented over the last 12 months.
“I think the level of maneuverability that was there before that allowed teams to do what they could do in the past, I think, is much more restricted this year and that will be reflected, I think, this summer.”
As well as reshuffling the squad, the future of manager Pep Guardiola is also on City's agenda this summer. Guardiola has one year left on his contract and has hinted that, after eight years, he is reaching the end of his tenure in charge of the Etihad Stadium. Khaldoon said the decision on Guardiola's future will be “made together” with the club when the right time comes.
“We've had this conversation many times before, you know, over the years of the contract,” Khaldoon said.
“Pep has always been fully committed to this club, fully committed to every contract he has signed with us. This decision about his future is always a decision we will make together and I have no doubt that, as always, we will find it.” We have made the right solution that works for Pep and works for us.”
