Man City CEO Soriano Says 115 Charges Case Could Take Years

Manchester City chief executive Ferran Soriano has told fellow European club leaders that the club’s dispute with the Premier League could take years to resolve, according to Sky News.

His comments follow reports on Friday, 25 September, that an independent commission had found the vast majority of the charges against City proven. The club continue to deny wrongdoing and are expected to appeal.

As of 29 September, the judgment remained unpublished, with neither City nor the Premier League publicly confirming the reported findings. 

Soriano Signals a Lengthy Fight

Soriano addressed the case during a private meeting of the European Football Clubs executive board in Copenhagen on Monday, 28 September. According to sources cited by Sky News, he referred to the eight years since the allegations first emerged and indicated that a definitive conclusion could still be a long way off. He declined to answer reporters’ questions as he left the meeting. 

Reuters separately reported that Soriano told the board City would do everything to clear their name, citing a source familiar with the discussions. 

Manchester City Reaffirm Their Position

City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak reiterated the club’s determination to challenge the allegations in a statement to supporters on Saturday, 26 September. “The Premier League process still has a long way to run,” he said, adding that the club’s confidence in proving their innocence remained unchanged. He also explained that confidentiality restrictions prevented him from sharing the information behind that confidence. A club spokesperson had said on Friday that significant parts of the proceedings remained outstanding and were subject to strict confidentiality. City maintained that their position was consistent with their original response in February 2023, when they rejected the allegations and welcomed an independent examination of the evidence.

What Does the Premier League Case Cover?

The Premier League referred Manchester City to an independent commission on 6 February 2023. The allegations cover several areas, including the accuracy of financial information, disclosure of payments to managers and players, compliance with UEFA financial regulations and the league’s profitability and sustainability rules, and cooperation with its investigation. Premier League

The financial reporting allegations concern the 2009/10 to 2017/18 seasons. Separate allegations relating to cooperation with the investigation cover the period from December 2018 to February 2023. The case therefore extends beyond a single spending limit or accounting issue. Premier League

An Appeal Would Not Settle the Question of Sanctions

Sky Sports News reports that the proceedings are moving towards the appeal stage, while sanctions would be determined through a separate process. Reported findings against the club should therefore not be confused with a final decision on punishment.

Soriano’s warning points to the possibility of a prolonged challenge, rather than a confirmed timetable. City’s leadership remain committed to contesting the case, with significant stages of the process still to be completed.