Soriano’s aloof stance fuels Premier League probe into City

On 1 October 2026, in a rare British interview, Manchester City chief executive Ferran Soriano joked that he no longer needed to impress journalists as he had during his five‑year spell as an executive at Barcelona, explaining that the Spanish press had been his link to Barca’s socios while he sat in a hotel overlooking New York.

Later in the Copenhagen auditorium where European club chiefs gathered on Tuesday, Sky journalist Rob Harris confronted Soriano, who replied, ‘I have nothing to say, thank you,’ before turning his back, scratching his nose and leaving with his bag. The BBC’s Dan Roan has also tried to approach the 59‑year‑old executive on several occasions. The conversation was recorded by IAN HERBERT, deputy chief sports writer, on 1 October 2026.

Financial Fair Play allegations

The Premier League’s explosive verdict described almost £900 million in ‘sham’ revenues tied to City’s Abu Dhabi ownership. Soriano’s signature appears on several key documents that formed the basis of the verdict. If the club’s appeal fails, his position as chief executive looks increasingly vulnerable.

Der Spiegel published hacked emails showing that when City spent £9.9 million to sack Roberto Mancini in 2013, Soriano suggested the Abu Dhabi sponsors cover the cost by paying the pre‑agreed FA Cup‑winning bonus, even though City lost to Wigan Athletic. Inside the email exchange, chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak proposed a back‑dated two‑year deal paid up front, a plan questioned by chief financial officer Jorge Chumillas and met with Simon Pearce’s reply, ‘Of course. We can do what we want.’ Soriano later emailed that City must fight Financial Fair Play “in a way that is not visible, or we will be pointed out as the global enemies of football”.

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Video statement and staff reaction

On Tuesday Soriano delivered a three‑minute monotone video to City employees, insisting the alleged financial impropriety “could not happen, did not happen”. The lack of blinking sparked online speculation that the footage was AI‑generated. He added that “bank statements, money transfers and witnesses” would resolve the issue, prompting staff to wonder why such documents had not been presented to the commission panel.

Internal culture and Soriano’s profile

Within the Etihad, Soriano’s recruitment of a cadre of Spanish executives created a “club within a club”, leaving many British staff feeling like outsiders. Former chief executive Garry Cook, who oversaw four years of the alleged ‘sham’, was at least personable, whereas Soriano is described as detached and aloof. Pep Guardiola’s arrival with his own Spanish entourage reinforced the perception that being a Spanish speaker was an advantage, and British executives joked that one had to be an “FOF – Friend of Ferran” or directly valued by the Abu Dhabis to keep a job.

Soriano, who hails from Spain, published a book titled “Goal” three years before joining Manchester City’s Etihad. His prior five‑year stint at Barcelona saw him rely on the Spanish press to communicate with the club’s socios, a method he contrasted with the British media landscape. At 59, he remains confident in his business acumen despite the mounting scrutiny.

As the Premier League appeal looms, the scrutiny of Soriano’s role underscores the broader debate over financial governance in English football. The outcome could reshape Man City’s standing and set a precedent for how clubs manage offshore ownership and internal communications.