City CEO warns European chiefs battle will drag on

Manchester City chief executive Ferran Soriano told fellow European club bosses that the protracted legal dispute with the Premier League will take "a lot more time" to conclude, delivering a defiant message after the club was found guilty of all but one of 115 charges.

Verdict sparks speculation

News broke on Friday that City had been found guilty of 114 of the 115 alleged breaches of the league's financial rules, immediately fuelling speculation about unprecedented sanctions.

City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak wrote an open letter to supporters on Saturday, insisting the club was "confident" of proving its innocence.

Board meeting in Copenhagen

At a European Football Clubs board meeting in Copenhagen on Monday, Soriano addressed the "elephant in the room", saying he felt compelled to speak after Friday’s verdict.

Sources said he added: "It’s taken eight years to get here, and it’s going to take a lot more time," referring to the investigation that began in 2018.

Mancini shields Manchester City as Italy gear up for Turkey clash

Presence of other English chiefs

Soriano made the comments in front of other English top‑flight representatives, including Manchester United’s Jean‑Claude Blanc and Everton owner Dan Friedkin, who attended in his capacity as Roma owner.

He declined media questions as he left the meeting, but his remarks were recorded by attendees.

Charges denied by the club

Among the alleged breaches, City denies failing to provide full details of former manager Roberto Mancini’s pay between 2009‑10 and 2012‑13.

Mancini, now Italy coach, told a press conference ahead of a Nations League match with Turkey that the issue does not concern him and has been discussed for four or five years.

The Premier League has not commented since the verdict emerged last week.