Manchester City chief executive Ferran Soriano has delivered a defiant message to rival European football executives, asserting that the club intends to vigorously contest the findings that recently held them guilty of the majority of 115 Premier League charges. Soriano addressed fellow leaders at a European Football Clubs board meeting in Copenhagen, held ahead of this Tuesday’s general assembly. On Friday, it emerged they had been found guilty of the vast majority of the 115 charges brought against them.
The club’s chief executive emphasized that the road to a resolution remains long. According to reports from the event, Soriano told attendees that the investigation—which officially commenced in 2018—has already taken eight years to reach this point and will inevitably require significant additional time before reaching a conclusion. He exited the meeting immediately following his remarks, declining to engage with media questions. According to the Press Association, Soriano told the executives “it’s taken eight years to get here and it’s going to take a lot more time”, referring to the start of the Premier League’s investigation in 2018.
The gathering, which included notable figures such as Everton owner Dan Friedkin and Manchester United’s chief of international football relations, Jean-Claude Blanc, centered on a case involving extensive rule breaches. The allegations primarily focus on claims that the club circumvented financial regulations by inflating sponsorship revenue through connected entities and processing payments that were not disclosed in official accounts.
While the Premier League has withheld public comment on the matter, the club has stated that the process remains ongoing and is subject to strict confidentiality requirements. Sources indicate that Manchester City plans to appeal the findings. Potential sanctions remain unconfirmed but could include significant fines, a deduction of league points, or even exclusion from the top flight.
Club chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak reinforced this combative stance in a recent letter to supporters. He expressed firm confidence in the club’s innocence and insisted that their resolve is just as strong now as it was when the investigation first began. While noting there are many details he wishes he could share, Al Mubarak explained that he is restricted by the ongoing legal process. Even this letter underwent several legal checks to make sure it complies.
Ferran Soriano, who has served as chief executive of the club since 2012, left no doubt that Manchester City is prepared for a prolonged legal defense. In the interim, other Premier League clubs are reportedly seeking independent legal advice regarding potential compensation claims arising from the charges.
