Skip to content

Khaldoon Al Mubarak: Manchester City's future is bigger than football

The chairman reaffirms long-term investment in infrastructure, women’s football, and community growth despite ongoing Premier League charges.

By ABU DHABI3 min read

AI-assisted This article was drafted with AI assistance and reviewed by an AbuDhabi.News editor before publication. See our editorial policy for the full workflow.

Khaldoon Al Mubarak: Manchester City's future is bigger than football
Cover photo: e0.365dm.com
0
AI summaryauto-generated
  • 1Manchester City opened a £10 million facility for its women’s team at the City Football Academy.
  • 2The North Stand at Etihad Stadium will be renamed in honor of Pep Guardiola.
  • 3Khaldoon Al Mubarak confirmed the new manager will be named very soon.

Khaldoon Al Mubarak, chairman of Manchester City, said the club’s future is defined by more than match outcomes. He emphasized sustained investment in infrastructure, women’s football, and the Manchester community as core to the club’s identity.

Women’s team facility sets new standard

In May, Manchester City opened a £10 million facility at the City Football Academy for its women’s team. It includes a world-class gym, medical and rehab spaces, hydrotherapy areas, and the 7,000-capacity Joie Stadium — the first purpose-built venue in the Women’s Super League. The facility also offers dedicated spaces for players and their families, and full access to over 1,000 staff across the wider club ecosystem. Al Mubarak called it the best in the country and a reflection of the club’s commitment. The women’s team won their first WSL title since 2016, a victory he said was perfectly timed and fueled by unity across the club.

Guardiola stand and Etihad expansion

AfterPep Guardiola’s departure following a decade that included four consecutive Premier League titles and a European Cup, the club will rename the North Stand at the Etihad Stadium in his honor. A statue is also planned. Sheikh Mansour, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, described the tribute as fitting for a coach who made an indelible imprint on the club’s DNA. The stand is part of a broader entertainment district that includes a 401-room hotel, a new club museum, retail stores, office space, and multiple restaurants and bars. Al Mubarak said these developments reflect a continuous investment strategy that began in 2008 and has never paused.

On Premier League charges

Three years after the Premier League issued charges related to financial regulations, City continues to deny the allegations. Al Mubarak said he cannot comment until a ruling is issued. He added that once it is, he will speak fully on what he has held back. The charges, which involve alleged breaches including false accounting and failure to cooperate with investigators, remain unresolved. The club has maintained its position throughout the process, and Al Mubarak’s public stance has remained consistent: focus on growth, let the process unfold.

What to watch next

The naming of the new manager will be the next major milestone. Al Mubarak confirmed the appointment will happen "very soon." How the club’s leadership transitions — and whether the new coach inherits the same infrastructure and cultural momentum — will shape the next chapter of Manchester City’s evolution. For now, the focus remains on the people, the places, and the long-term vision that Khaldoon Al Mubarak says defines the club beyond football.

Frequently asked questions

What is Manchester City's long-term investment strategy?

Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak says the club’s strategy focuses on sustained investment in infrastructure, women’s football and the Manchester community, extending beyond on‑pitch results.

What new facilities has Manchester City opened for its women's team?

The club opened a £10 million facility at the City Football Academy for the women’s team, featuring a world‑class gym, medical and rehab spaces, hydrotherapy areas and the 7,000‑capacity Joie Stadium.

How is Manchester City honoring Pep Guardiola?

Manchester City will rename the North Stand at the Etihad Stadium as the Guardiola Stand and plans to erect a statue in his honour.

What is the Premier League charging Manchester City with?

The Premier League has issued charges alleging breaches of financial regulations, including false accounting and failure to cooperate with investigators.

What is Manchester City's stance on the Premier League charges?

The club maintains its position, with Khaldoon Al Mubarak emphasizing focus on growth and stating he will speak fully once a ruling is issued.

How did this story make you feel?

Share this story

Follow Us

Written by

Alan Conde

Reporting from Abu Dhabi — independent, on the ground, and built on local sources.