Manchester City case could be complicated by Khaldoon Al Mubarak’s diplomatic immunity

Manchester City could face serious sanctions after being found guilty of financial violations, but any potential legal action may be complicated by the diplomatic immunity held by club chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak.

According to the British newspaper Financial Times, Al Mubarak has held diplomatic immunity since 2020, when he was officially registered as an accredited member of the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in London because of his role in the UAE government.

The status is recognised by the British authorities and gives him protection from certain legal proceedings in the United Kingdom.

The issue has emerged after an independent commission found Manchester City guilty of financial breaches committed between 2009 and 2018. The ruling stated that the club had used sham commercial contracts to inflate its revenue and conceal costs exceeding £900m.

The Premier League launched the case against Manchester City, which has consistently denied any wrongdoing. The club has also categorically rejected any suggestion that it deliberately falsified its accounts.

The consequences could extend beyond sporting penalties imposed on Manchester City. Those who held senior positions at the club during the period under investigation could face scrutiny from the Independent Football Regulator, the body responsible for overseeing English football.

The regulator has legal powers to remove owners or directors if it decides they do not meet the required standards of integrity and propriety, according to Spanish newspaper Sport.

Al Mubarak’s diplomatic status could therefore become a significant factor in any legal proceedings connected to the case, although it applies only to certain judicial measures in the UK.

The matter could also attract the attention of the Serious Fraud Office, the British agency responsible for investigating major economic crimes. That would be possible if evidence emerged that Manchester City had intentionally falsified its accounts in breach of UK legislation.

The club’s alleged financial misconduct covers an eight-year period and is separate from the potential action against individuals who were responsible for the organisation during that time.

Manchester City denies committing any such offence. The club could face heavy sporting consequences, while the wider investigation may also raise questions about the suitability of some former or current officials to continue holding positions within English football.