Man City chief ‘stuns rivals’ with unexpected comment at secret meeting after charges verdict

Manchester City chief executive Ferran Soriano told rival European club executives in Copenhagen that the club's legal dispute with the Premier League will take a lot more time to conclude. The remarks followed reports that Manchester City were found in breach of 114 financial rules after a hearing that began in late 2024, with the club planning to appeal the decision.

Soriano's comments were reportedly delivered during a European Football Clubs board meeting attended by Manchester United official Jean-Claude Blanc and Everton owner Dan Friedkin. The stance reflects earlier statements by Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak, who reaffirmed the club's confidence in demonstrating innocence despite potential sanctions looming ahead of the appeal process.