Manchester City chairman, Khaldoon Al Mubarak, has expressed his “frustration” at having the legitimacy of their Treble questioned because of accusations of financial wrongdoing from the Premier League.
City defeated Inter Milan 1-0 in the Champions League final to complete English football’s first treble in nearly 25 years.
It came a few months after they were charged with more than 100 counts of financial irregularities between 2009 and 2018.
If the charges are proven, it could result in City having titles stripped or even relegation.
This has led to a debate about whether the success of Pep Guardiola’s team has been achieved fairly.
“I mean it’s very frustrating because it takes so much from the great work that’s happening at this club and it’s happening not just on the football pitch,” Khaldoon said in an interview conducted by the club.
“On the football pitch, what these players have achieved this year, the treble, is incredible. I hope people focus and judge them for their football and what they’re achieving on the pitch and what they’re achieving in every competition they’re in.”
City have been referred to an independent commission over the charges, but there is still no timeline for when the process might conclude.
“These are proceedings that take whatever time they take, and when we’re done, we’ll have a conversation.
“I’ll give you my very blunt views, I promise you that. I have very strong views on that, but I am going to be unfortunately very restrained today,” Khaldoon added.