Man City CEO says fight against Premier League could take years to conclude
Manchester City chief executive Ferran Soriano has told a meeting of fellow club chiefs that their fight against the Premier League could take years to conclude, Sky News understands. Soriano declined to answer questions about the case as he left a private meeting in Copenhagen.
- Who: Manchester City chief executive Ferran Soriano
- What: Told fellow club chiefs the fight against the Premier League could take years to conclude
- Where: Private meeting of the executive board of the European Football Clubs' body in Copenhagen
- When: Soriano declined to answer questions leaving the meeting
- Stage: Process is moving to the appeal stage
- Background: It has been eight years since the allegations of misconduct were first made
What was said
"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."
"The Premier League process remains ongoing, with significant elements to be completed, and subject to strict confidentiality. As such Manchester City FC's position remains consistent with the club's statement of February 2023."
"The club has diligently respected due process for eight years on the basis that the Premier League board and executive would behave as an independent, impartial and fair-minded regulator, free from partisan influence."
These quotes frame the core of City's public strategy: patience, confidentiality and a claim of long-standing respect for due process. Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak's words were more emotive, stressing "confidence and intent" in proving innocence. The spokesperson's statement is a careful legal position, referencing the club's original February 2023 stance. Neither the Premier League nor City has denied that the club has been found guilty of the majority of charges first brought in 2023.
Why Soriano is preparing for a marathon, not a sprint
Ferran Soriano's message to fellow club chiefs inside that Copenhagen room was unmistakable. Sources say he referenced how it has been eight years since the allegations of misconduct were first made and how it will take a lot more time for a conclusion. By bringing up the case in that setting, he signalled that City are not treating this as a short-term dispute. The mention of other clubs' interest — without directly referencing a verdict — suggests City are aware of the wider political dimension among European Football Clubs' body members.
The process is now moving to the appeal stage, with a separate process to determine sanctions still to come. That two-track structure is why Soriano can credibly talk in years, not months. There is also the matter of the reports claiming most charges were found proven. The Premier League and City have not denied that, but City's language — "innocence", "due process", "partisan influence" — shows they will contest every step. Expect legal filings, confidentiality battles and procedural challenges rather than a quick resolution.
City's ability to appeal is central to this timeline, and there is a separate process that will determine sanctions. Until both conclude, the club's competitive future remains under a cloud, but their public posture is defiant. Soriano's decision to raise the topic among peers is a reminder that this is no longer just a Premier League matter — it is a European football governance story.
Talking points
- Soriano telling fellow chiefs the case could take years is a public-relations move as much as a legal one — he is framing City as the patient victim of a slow process.
- If most charges were found proven, as reports claim, City's appeal must be about procedure and punishment rather than guilt. Does that strategy hold up?
- The separate sanctions process is the real battleground. Points deductions, transfer bans or titles stripped? The range is vast, and it is not yet decided.
- Other clubs in that Copenhagen room will now plan their own squads and finances assuming City's case drags on. That uncertainty affects the whole market.
What happens next
The process is moving to the appeal stage, with a separate process to determine sanctions still to come. City's chairman has promised to keep fighting, and the club's spokesperson insists significant elements remain. The immediate next step is the appeal, where City will test the findings. Beyond that, sanctions will be determined in a separate process — and that outcome, not the appeal itself, will decide what happens to City's trophies, transfers and Premier League status.
Frequently asked questions
Is Man City's fight against the Premier League going to take years?
Yes, according to Sky News. Ferran Soriano told fellow club chiefs the fight could take years to conclude, referencing how it has been eight years since the allegations were first made.
What stage is the Man City case at now?
Sky Sports News understands the process is moving to the appeal stage, after reports claimed most of the charges against the club for breaking Financial Fair Play rules were found to have been proven.
What did Khaldoon Al Mubarak say about the charges?
City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said in a statement on Saturday: "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."
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