
Manchester City chief executive Ferran Soriano has reportedly informed his peers that the club’s battle with the Premier League over charges relating to breaches of financial rules is far from over.
On Friday (September 25), news began circulating that City had been found guilty of 114 of the 115 charges brought against them by the Premier League.
The sanction has yet to be decided, although a points deduction, expulsion from the Premier League or a large fine have all been suggested as possible punishments.
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Man City CEO provides strong stance on 115 charges verdict
City were first charged in February 2023 over alleged financial breaches relating to a nine-year period between 2009 and 2018. City won three Premier League titles during this period.
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An independent commission reviewed the case between September 2024 and December 2024.
Despite it being widely reported that City were found guilty, CEO Soriano, who has held the post since 2012, has taken a defiant stance.
The 59-year-old spoke at the climax of a European Football Clubs (EFC) board meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark, telling hundreds of club executives that he disagrees with the independent commission’s reported verdict and vowing to continue the fight against the Premier League.
“It has taken eight years to reach this point and it will still take much more time,” he said.
Man City chairman issues statement
This came after Man City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak issued a statement on September 26, in which he referred to the February 2023 statement City released after being charged.
“I have been part of this Club for 18 years,” he wrote.
“I have had the privilege to stand with you in the Etihad, at Wembley, and in Istanbul.
“This Club matters to me, and you have shown and told me – time and time again - how much Manchester City matters to you. This is why I am writing to you today.
“Following Friday’s media reporting, many of you will have spent your evening answering questions and responding to messages from friends, family and colleagues.
“So have I. Here’s what I said to my family: The Premier League process still has a long way to run, and our confidence and intent in proving the Club’s innocence is just as strong as when this began.
“There are so many things that I would like to be able to share with you to help you understand why we feel so confident in our position. But the strict confidentiality of the legal process and our determination to respect it means I cannot do that at the moment. Even this letter underwent several legal checks to make sure it complies.
“I ask you to please carefully read the statement below, which we gave on Friday, and the statement we issued in February 2023 (also below). Every word matters and holds true.
“While some people have been quick to reach their own conclusions, and there is so much noise swirling around us, nothing has changed. We have faced challenges together before and have prevailed. There remain many who want to undermine the momentum of our Club. We will not give them that opportunity.
“We have some exciting moments to look forward to after this international break. We travel to Anfield in a fortnight, and then host Paris St Germain in the Champions League back at Etihad Stadium - moments that give us an opportunity to celebrate the strength of the Manchester City family.
“Thank you, as always, for your constant support.”
What did Man City’s original statement after being charged say?
After being charged in February 2023, City released the following statement: “Manchester City FC is surprised by the issuing of these alleged breaches of the Premier League Rules, particularly given the extensive engagement and vast amount of detailed materials that the EPL has been provided with.
“The Club welcomes the review of this matter by an independent Commission, to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of its position.
“As such we look forward to this matter being put to rest once and for all.”
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Man City’s 115 charges in full
Here is a full breakdown of the charges brought against City by the Premier League:
- Failure to provide accurate financial information giving a true and fair view of the club’s financial position from 2009/10 to and including 2017/18 – 54 alleged breaches
- Failure to co-operate with and assist the Premier League’s investigation from December 2018 to February 2023 – 35 alleged breaches
- Failure to provide full details of manager remuneration from 2009/10 to 2012/13 and player remuneration from 2010/11 to 2015/16 – 14 alleged breaches
- Breaches of Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules from 2015/16 to and including 2017/18 – seven alleged breaches
- Failure to comply with UEFA regulations, including its Club Licensing and Financial Fair Play Regulations, from 2013/14 to and including 2017/18 – five alleged breaches
Topics: Premier League, Football News