Ferran Soriano has offered an update on Manchester City's 115 charges case against the Premier League at a meeting with other club chiefs
Manchester City chief executive Ferran Soriano spoke about the charges the club face
Manchester City chief executive Ferran Soriano spoke about the charges the club face
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Manchester City chief Ferran Soriano reportedly told bosses at rival European clubs that the club's legal battle against the Premier League will "take a lot more time" before being over.
On Friday, it emerged that City had been found in breach of 114 financial rules with that being the outcome from a hearing in late 2024. It is understood the club will be appealing the decision which suggests the process is far from complete.
And Soriano's comments from a meeting between the European Football Clubs board in Copenhagen on Monday further proves that. Manchester United’s chief of international football relations Jean-Claude Blanc and Everton owner Dan Friedkin, who also has a significant stake in Roma, were among those in attendance.
It is claimed via the Press Association, he felt the need to comment on the news from last week and stated: “It’s taken eight years to get here, and it’s going to take a lot more time.”
2018 was the year in which the Premier League first began formally looking into the irregularities with some of the charges relating to City's lack of co-operation with their investigation.
While not in an official capacity, as he also declined to speak to the media, Soriano's comments are in line with the statement from City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak released over the weekend.
Part of that read: "Following Friday’s media reporting, many of you will have spent your evening answering questions and responding to messages from friends, family and colleagues. So have I.
Manchester City Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak and CEO Ferran Soriano
Manchester City Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has also spoken on the charges case
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"Here’s what I said to my family: The Premier League process still has a long way to run, and our confidence and intent in proving the Club’s innocence is just as strong as when this began.
"There are so many things that I would like to be able to share with you to help you understand why we feel so confident in our position. But the strict confidentiality of the legal process and our determination to respect it means I cannot do that at the moment. Even this letter underwent several legal checks to make sure it complies.
"I ask you to please carefully read the statement below, which we gave on Friday, and the statement we issued in February 2023. Every word matters and holds true."
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As mentioned by the 50-year-old, City had released two other statements on the matter both of which included protesting their innocence.
Despite the appeal, City are expected to learn of their potential sanctions before that process is complete with many wanting punishment as significant as the stripping of titles and Premier League expulsion.
Both of those appear unlikely but City could certainly be hit with a massive points deduction that effectively relegates them. And even more pain could be coming their way with Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham planning legal action.