City chief warns Premier League battle will drag on for years

Man City chief executive Ferran Soriano told European club bosses on 28 September 2026 that the protracted legal battle with the Premier League will take “a lot more time”, after the club was found guilty of all but one of 115 financial‑rule charges.

News broke on Friday that City had been found guilty of all but one of 115 charges relating to breaches of the league’s financial rules, instantly 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.

City found guilty of 115 charges

Chief executive Soriano addressed the issue at a European Football Clubs board meeting in Copenhagen on Monday, saying the club disagreed with the ruling but remained confident of winning. He added that the eight‑year saga began when the Premier League opened its investigation in 2018.

Soriano addresses European club board

During the meeting, Soriano remarked, “It’s taken eight years to get here, and it’s going to take a lot more time.” He made the comment in the presence of fellow English top‑flight chiefs, including Manchester United’s Jean‑Claude Blanc and Everton owner Dan Friedkin, who attended as Roma’s owner.

Mancini shields Manchester City as Italy gear up for Turkey clash

Mancini distances himself from charges

Among the alleged breaches was a charge of failing to provide full details of former manager Roberto Mancini’s pay between 2009‑10 and 2012‑13. Mancini, now Italy’s head coach, told a press conference ahead of Monday’s Nations League match with Turkey in Bursa that the matter was “not an issue that concerns me”. He added, “Manchester City has not been found guilty, and the alleged double contract is not my concern.”

City were also charged with failing to report accurate financial information for nine seasons from 2009, with incomplete player‑remuneration details for 2010‑11 to 2015‑16, and with not co‑operating with the Premier League’s investigation from 2018 to 2023. A club spokesperson reiterated that the Premier League process remains ongoing, citing the club’s February 2023 statement and stressing respect for due process.

Under Mancini, City lifted the FA Cup in 2011 and secured their first top‑flight title in 44 years in 2012. Former Liverpool midfielder and manager Graeme Souness argued that the club’s reputation is now “worthless” and that its honours should be expunged, even suggesting Liverpool could claim a couple of Premier Leagues. He dismissed any fine as “just a scratch” and warned the situation could “open a can of worms”.

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