UK government in talks with Abu Dhabi over Man City and their Premier League charges
Man City have been owned by Sheikh Mansour ever since 2008
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The UK government are in talks with Abu Dhabi over Manchester City and their alleged 115 rule breaches.
Back in February, the Premier League directed charges against Pep Guardiola's side which relate to a series of alleged breaches of financial rules between the 2009/2010 and 2017/2018 seasons.
City were accused by the Premier League of not providing accurate financial information - with a statement saying: "In accordance with Premier League Rule W.82.1, the Premier League confirms that it has today referred a number of alleged breaches of the Premier League Rules by Manchester City Football Club (Club) to a Commission under Premier League Rule W.3.4."
The club have denied all charges against them and insist they'll clear their name.
The UK government are in talks with Abu Dhabi over Man City and their alleged rule breaches
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Now, according to The Athletic, the UK government 'has admitted its embassy in Abu Dhabi'.
They also say 'the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in London have discussed the charges levelled at Manchester City by the Premier League'.
However, they are refusing to disclose the correspondence because it could risk the UK's relationship with the United Arab Emirates.
The publication have asked Manchester City why the UK government are concerned about damaging relations with UAE if they're not state-owned.
However, the reigning champions refused to comment.
The Premier League was also reportedly asked if they had received any correspondence from UK government employees about the charges filed against City.
Like the club, they opted against responding.
City have always said they're not state-owned or funded.
Club owner Sheikh Mansour is the vice president and deputy prime minister of the UAE.
His half brother, Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is the president.
But, despite that, it would be legally inaccurate to describe the club as state-owned.
Responding to the charges earlier in the year, City released a statement that read: "Manchester City FC is surprised by the issuing of these alleged breaches of the Premier League Rules, particularly given the extensive engagement and vast amount of detailed materials that the EPL has been provided with.
"The Club welcomes the review of this matter by an independent Commission, to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of its position.
"As such we look forward to this matter being put to rest once and for all."
In May, after Guardiola guided the club to Premier League title glory, the Spaniard admitted he wanted the situation resolved.
“I will stay next season while there are 110 breaches against us," he said.
"Don’t worry, we will be there.
“What I would like is if the Premier League and the judges could make something as soon as possible.
“Then if we have done something wrong everybody will know it, and if we are like we believe as a club – for many years in the right way – then the people will stop talking about that.
“We would love it [decision] tomorrow, this afternoon better than tomorrow. We would love it.
"Hopefully they are not so busy and the judges can see both sides and decide what is the best because in the end I know fairly that what we won we won on the pitch.
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Man City boss Pep Guardiola insists the club haven't done anything wrong
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"We don’t have any doubts.”