Manchester City chief executive Ferran Soriano has delivered a firm message to peers at the European Football Clubs board meeting in Copenhagen regarding the recent findings into the club’s financial conduct. Attending the gathering ahead of the general assembly on Tuesday, Soriano expressed a commitment to contesting the allegations, echoing the stance recently shared by club chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak. He then left the meeting without answering any questions from the media.
Reports indicate that Soriano told fellow executives, “It’s taken eight years to get here and it’s going to take a lot more time,” referencing the timeline since the Premier League began its investigation in 2018. Following these comments, he departed the venue without further public remark.
The assembly saw participation from high-profile figures, including Manchester United’s Jean-Claude Blanc and Roma owner Dan Friedkin. These discussions followed the disclosure on Friday that Manchester City had been found guilty of the vast majority of the 115 charges brought against them. The initial accusations centered on claims that the club inflated sponsorship revenue through connected parties and facilitated payments hidden from official records to bypass financial regulations. Centering around claims they inflated sponsorship revenue from connected companies and made other “off the books” payments to circumvent financial regulations, city were accused of a wide range of rule breaches.
The Premier League has refrained from commenting on the situation, though it is understood that other top-flight clubs are currently seeking legal counsel regarding potential compensation. While sanctions remain pending—ranging from points deductions and hefty fines to potential expulsion—it is expected that Manchester City will move to appeal the decision.
In a formal statement, the club maintained that the regulatory process is ongoing and involves complex elements subject to strict confidentiality. Chairman Al Mubarak addressed supporters on Saturday, expressing firm belief in the club’s innocence. He noted that the organization’s resolve to clear its name remains as strong as it was when the scrutiny began.
Al Mubarak acknowledged the frustration surrounding the lack of public clarity, explaining that while he wishes to provide more transparency, legal restrictions prevent him from sharing specific details at this stage. Even his letter to supporters was subject to extensive legal review to ensure compliance with confidentiality requirements. Even this letter underwent several legal checks to make sure it complies.
Ferran Soriano, who has served as chief executive since 2012, remains central to the club’s defense strategy as the proceedings continue to unfold.
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