City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has held diplomatic immunity in the UK since 2020, a status which lawyers believe could complicate potential legal action following the independent commission’s verdict.
The Financial Times reports that Al Mubarak, who has chaired Man City since 2008, was placed on the UK’s official list of approved diplomats six years ago because of his senior role within the UAE government. The status protects him from criminal prosecution in Britain and, in most circumstances, civil proceedings.
What Al Mubarak’s immunity could mean
The revelation follows the independent commission’s decision to find City guilty of serious financial breaches relating to the period between 2009 and 2018.
Among its findings were that commercial arrangements had been used to disguise owner funding as sponsorship revenue, with £830.69m in disputed sponsorship sums ultimately funded by Abu Dhabi United Group. City reject the commission’s conclusions and intend to appeal.
The FT reports that possible consequences beyond the Premier League process could include civil claims or investigations by authorities including the Serious Fraud Office. No such proceedings against Al Mubarak have been announced and there is no suggestion of personal wrongdoing by the City chairman.
Former Crown Prosecution Service extradition chief Nick Vamos told the FT that Al Mubarak has full protection from criminal prosecution and immunity from civil actions relating to his official functions. He added that there could be legal argument over whether particular activities constituted official duties or private matters.
Al Mubarak’s name was redacted from the commission’s published core judgment. City have until Friday to exercise their right of appeal, while any Premier League sanction will be determined separately.
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