The president of Manchester City warns that the Premier League will become less competitive | city of manchester
Manchester City chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak has claimed that rules introduced over the past 12 months will make the Premier League less competitive and has called for more “sensitivity in regulation”.
Mubarak's comments were made in an official club interview before news of City's legal challenge against the Premier League which focuses on associated party transaction (APT) rules.
APT rules govern how clubs reach sponsorship or revenue deals with parties related to their ownership. In February, The clubs voted to approve stricter rules on how their prices are set. An independent court is scheduled to hear the case next week.
In his annual end-of-season review, Mubarak was asked about the impact of such financial regulations. He said: “We will not see the same level (of competition) that we have seen in recent years, due to the levels of regulations that have been implemented in the last 12 months.
“He first division It got to where it is today by being the most competitive league. So I hope there is a little more sensitivity in the regulation. “A balanced approach is always good across all leagues, whether in England or the rest of Europe.”
City are part of the City Football Group, a 12-member multi-club organisation. Mubarak is concerned that other agreed regulations will prevent player loans and exchanges, which the CFG facilitates between the clubs under its umbrella. “There have also been a lot of restrictions placed on swaps and loans, so even that is now much more restricted,” he said.
“I think the level of maneuverability that existed before that allowed teams to do what they could do in the past is much more restricted this year and that will be reflected, I think, this summer.”
Separately, City face 115 charges of allegedly breaching rules relating to financial fair play, with the long-awaited hearing taking place in November. The club denies any wrongdoing and, in his review, Mubarak expressed his frustration that this case is referenced every time City enjoy success.
“I think referrals are always frustrating,” he said. “Let the topic be talked about the way it is talked about. I am sorry that our fan base and everyone associated with the club has constant references to these positions.
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“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.”
Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola continues to consider his long-term future as City manager, whose contract with the champions expires next summer. Mubarak sounded a note of hope regarding the prospect of the Catalans reaching a new agreement. “We've had this conversation many times before, you know, over the years of the contract. 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 we will find, as we have always done, the right solution that works for Pep and for us.”
