Manchester City chief executive Ferran Soriano has delivered a firm message to officials from rival clubs regarding the verdict against his team on most of the Premier League charges.
His comments came during a European Football Clubs board meeting in Copenhagen, held before the organisation’s general assembly on Tuesday.
Soriano reportedly promised that the club would continue challenging both the allegations and the proceedings, stressing that the case remained far from over. His stance echoed remarks made by chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak in a letter to supporters.
According to reports, Soriano reminded the assembled officials that reaching this stage had taken eight years and suggested the dispute would continue for considerably longer. The Premier League began its investigation in 2018.
He subsequently departed without responding to questions from reporters.
Manchester United’s international football relations chief Jean-Claude Blanc and Everton owner Dan Friedkin, who attended as the owner of Roma, were reportedly among those present.
City faced numerous alleged rule violations, including claims that sponsorship income from associated businesses had been overstated and that additional payments were kept outside the official accounts to bypass financial regulations.
It emerged on Friday that the club had been found responsible for most of the 115 charges filed against it.
Other Premier League clubs are obtaining legal guidance about possible compensation connected to the case, while City is expected to appeal the decision.
No penalties have been confirmed, although potential consequences could include a points deduction, removal from the Premier League or a substantial financial penalty.
The Premier League has not provided further comment. City said the proceedings were continuing, important stages still had to be completed and all parties remained bound by strict confidentiality.
Al Mubarak told supporters on Saturday that he remained certain the club would establish its innocence.
He said the proceedings were still a long way from concluding and that the club remained as confident and determined to clear its name as it had been at the outset.
He added that he wished he could provide more information to explain why the club felt so secure in its position.
However, he explained that the confidentiality requirements surrounding the legal proceedings prevented him from sharing those details. He also noted that his letter had undergone several legal reviews to ensure it complied with the restrictions.
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