Ferran Soriano Says Manchester City Will Fight 115 Premier League Charges
Manchester City’s chief executive Ferran Soriano has underlined the club’s determination to fight the Premier League’s 115 financial charges, telling European club executives that the dispute is likely to remain unresolved for some time.
Manchester City financial case at a glance
| Item | Figure or date | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Premier League charges | 115 | Charges brought against Manchester City in 2023 |
| Length of dispute | Eight years | Period for which allegations have been in the public domain |
| Meeting location | Copenhagen | European Football Clubs board meeting attended by Soriano |
Soriano addressed the issue during a board gathering of the European Football Clubs organisation in Copenhagen. He did not speak to reporters outside the meeting, but his message to fellow executives was described as resolute, with City preparing for what could become an extended legal battle.
The club’s stance has hardened amid reports that an independent tribunal has reached a decision on the charges. Reports since Friday have claimed that City were found responsible for most of the alleged breaches, although the Premier League has not publicly set out any findings and the process remains confidential.
The allegations include claims that City overstated sponsorship revenue and did not provide the Premier League with correct financial information across multiple seasons. Manchester City deny wrongdoing and say they possess evidence supporting their defence.
Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has also told supporters that the club remain convinced they will establish their innocence. He said the Premier League case still had substantial stages remaining and that City’s confidence had not diminished since the matter began.
Al Mubarak added that he wanted to explain more fully why the club believed its position was strong, but said the confidentiality rules surrounding the proceedings prevented him from doing so. He noted that even his communication to supporters had required legal clearance to ensure compliance with those restrictions.
Manchester City have maintained that their position is unchanged from the statement issued when the Premier League charges were announced in February 2023. A club spokesperson said significant parts of the process were still to be completed and stressed that the matter remained subject to strict confidentiality.
The prospect of an appeal has also prompted interest from other Premier League sides. A number of rival clubs are considering legal advice over whether they could pursue compensation if City are ultimately found to have gained an unfair competitive benefit through financial-rule breaches.
Those potential claims could centre on lost league positions, titles, European qualification places and the prize-money and broadcast income attached to them. Any such action, however, would depend on the final outcome of the Premier League case and the completion of City’s expected legal challenge.
