Manchester City CEO Ferran Soriano has hinted at the lengthy timeline ahead for the club's Premier League legal case, as the 115 charges saga looks set to continue for some time yet
Ferran Soriano (right) has provided an update
Ferran Soriano (right) has provided an update(Image: Getty Images)
Manchester City chief executive Ferran Soriano has suggested the club's legal battle with the Premier League is far from over — acknowledging it will "take a lot more time" before reaching a conclusion.
The news is frustrating for Liverpool and the other 18 Premier League clubs, who are waiting to hear the outcome of the case. Soriano addressed the matter at a gathering of fellow European club executives, citing the ongoing situation involving the club's 114 alleged violations of the Premier League's financial rules.
City is believed to be challenging the verdict, marking the next phase in the proceedings, which is why observers anticipate that a final resolution remains distant. City has constantly denied any wrongdoing.
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Soriano appears to have reinforced this view through statements delivered at a European Football Clubs board meeting on Monday. According to the Press Association, he commented: "It's taken eight years to get here, and it's going to take a lot more time."
It's believed that Soriano declined to address any journalists at the gathering, yet his communication to fellow executives clearly signals the anticipated timeline.
2018 saw the commencement of the Premier League's official investigation into the alleged violations, with certain charges arising from City's alleged lack of cooperation with their inquiry.
Manchester City denies any wrongdoing
Manchester City denies any wrongdoing(Image: Getty Images)
Present at the meeting were Everton owner Dan Friedkin, who additionally maintains a substantial investment in Roma, and Manchester United's head of international football relations, Jean-Claude Blanc.
Although speaking informally and having declined to speak with the media, Soriano's observations mirror the statement released by City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak 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.
"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."
As referenced by the 50-year-old, City had released two further statements on the matter, both asserting the club's innocence.
Notwithstanding the legal battle ahead, City is expected to learn of its prospective sanctions before proceedings draw to a close, with many calling for punishments as drastic as title stripping and expulsion from the Premier League.
More turbulence could be looming, with Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Tottenham said to be gearing up to pursue legal proceedings.