Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak may be shielded by diplomatic immunity, potentially allowing him to avoid questioning regarding the club’s recent charges.
In exclusive commentary for the Daily Briefing, leading sports lawyer Yasin Patel explained that while diplomatic immunity does not automatically allow individuals to bypass the law, specific technicalities could complicate the proceedings.
Manchester City is poised to face substantial penalties after being found guilty of the vast majority of the 115 charges leveled against them. Patel noted that a significant points deduction this season is highly probable, potentially sealing the club’s relegation from the Premier League.
Nevertheless, Al Mubarak’s position remains a complex one. As a senior Abu Dhabi government official, he might be able to escape being compelled to testify or undergo questioning in this matter.
Legal Expert Analyzes Manchester City Ownership and Diplomatic Protections
Discussing Al Mubarak and the future of the City ownership, Patel elaborated on the legal standing: “Diplomatic immunity shields an individual from specific legal proceedings or actions. In this instance, Khaldoon Al Mubarak would not be legally obligated to answer questions regarding the case or the allegations.”
“This is particularly significant given the serious nature of the allegations, which include fraud, dishonesty, falsifying accounts, tax evasion, and potentially criminal conduct.”
He added: “However, diplomatic immunity does not place diplomats outside the law. Rather, it defines whether the host nation can initiate specific judicial proceedings or take coercive measures against a protected individual. It does not legitimize unlawful conduct, establish innocence, or erase legal liability.”
According to Patel, the question of whether City’s owners could be forced out remains a separate issue.
“Regarding ownership fitness, the critical question is whether the current proprietors continue to satisfy the ‘fit and proper person test’—a criteria carrying broad implications,” he noted.
“The test is designed to safeguard the image and integrity of the league and its clubs. The central question is whether the owners of Manchester City pass this evaluation. While there is no criminal conviction or direct tax avoidance or personal loss involved, the core issue is the injection of funds into a club linked to the Abu Dhabi government or its owners,” he concluded.
“The core of the alleged offense is the violation of financial regulations regarding how funds should be allocated. One might ask if this is any worse than the allegations faced by other owners, such as West Ham United’s David Sullivan, who has faced serious claims from multiple women regarding his conduct—allegations many consider morally grounds for removal, yet he remains in his position.”
