Manchester City Chairman Holds Diplomatic Immunity in the UK

Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak holds diplomatic immunity in the UK, which would shield him in the event of criminal investigations. According to the Financial Times, he has been listed on the UK's register of accredited diplomats since 2020. Legal experts suggest that diplomatic immunity for such a central figure at City could complicate potential legal proceedings against the club, including actions from bodies such as the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) or the police.

An independent commission found Manchester City guilty of all charges concerning serious breaches of Premier League financial regulations across nine consecutive seasons. The club was also found guilty of the majority of charges regarding failure to cooperate with the league's investigation. According to official reports, the Citizens manipulated their financial accounts by over £900 million. Amid discussions surrounding potential sanctions and reports of lawsuits planned by rival clubs, calls have emerged for City executives to face criminal liability.

Lord Cruddas, a Conservative member of the House of Lords whose firm CMC Markets is Everton's primary sponsor, expressed the view that the case should be treated as a criminal matter.

"If the accounts were falsified and the auditors misled, that constitutes a potential crime. Auditors will refer the matter to the police, and directors are personally liable for any fraud committed by a British company, even if it is foreign-owned," he stated.

However, Al Mubarak would remain shielded from any such investigations.