Unexpected twist in Manchester City scandal: Club chairman has diplomatic immunity

Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak was granted diplomatic immunity in the United Kingdom six years ago. The status, granted in 2020, significantly complicates efforts to hold him legally accountable in cases involving allegations that the club artificially inflated its financial figures.

TodayPress TV reports, citing the Financial Times, that Al Mubarak’s diplomatic immunity protects him from criminal prosecution and most civil lawsuits in the United Kingdom.

Recently, the English Premier League found Manchester City guilty of breaching the league’s financial rules and failing to cooperate with an investigation. The club has rejected the allegations and stated that it will defend its position through the relevant channels. Although the potential sanctions have not yet been officially announced, media reports suggest that the club could be stripped of its league titles.

Manchester City has been under the ownership of the UAE-based Abu Dhabi United Group since 2008. During this period, the club has won the Premier League title eight times, the FA Cup four times, the League Cup seven times, and the UEFA Champions League in the 2022/2023 season.

Namiq HUN