Ferran Soriano brands Manchester City financial verdict a conspiracy theory

Etihad Stadium

Manchester City chief executive Ferran Soriano has fiercely attacked the independent commission’s verdict on the club’s financial breaches, labelling the entire judgement a conspiracy theory. The explosive remarks were delivered in a leaked video sent directly to worried staff members.

The Premier League champions were found guilty of the majority of charges in a high-stakes case, with their sponsorship agreements branded as sham operations.

A club in complete chaos

The publication of the core decision on Tuesday evening confirmed that City had lost on all major financial allegations. The independent panel concluded that the club had inflated their revenues by more than £830m during a nine-year timeframe.

Additionally, the panel heavily condemned individuals who gave untruthful testimonies during the proceedings. Within the organisation, the decision has triggered widespread worry among hundreds of staff members facing an unclear future.

While the boardroom tries to project an image of business as usual, the reality behind the scenes is one of confusion and growing concern. To preserve a sense of calm, chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak published a message to fans claiming that very little has altered.

Soriano targets the Premier League

In his video message to the workforce, Soriano was defiant, claiming that the league’s case rests on a single false premise regarding Abu Dhabi sponsors.

Speaking in the leaked video to Manchester City staff, Soriano said:

“The whole Premier League case against us is based on a single false accusation – that the owner’s personal money was somehow and secretly put into the club via some sponsors from Abu Dhabi.”

The chief executive insisted that the club possesses bank statements and money transfers that completely disprove the allegations.

Expressing his disbelief at the commission’s final decision, Soriano said:

“Surprisingly for us and our lawyers after nearly two years the commission has issued an opinion that supports the Premier League’s conspiracy theory.”

The Manchester club must submit their formal appeal by Friday 2 October, with potential punishments yet to be decided. In an official response, the hierarchy vowed to fight aggressively in court, arguing that the ruling is fundamentally flawed across multiple legal principles.

Supporters left in limbo

Supporters have reacted with dark humour mixed with deep anxiety over whether their historical successes will now be permanently tainted. On Tuesday morning, fans were sent a regular survey from the club gauging their optimism regarding off-field matters.

Though the timing provoked some amusement, others are questioning whether to keep trusting executives who promised complete vindication. This is a crowd with a track record of challenging their own board, having previously campaigned against chairman Peter Swales in the nineties and demonstrated over ticket price increases in 2025.

Any quietness from the fan base does not mean they accept the findings. Meanwhile, executives are keeping their evidence private, leaving both employees and supporters waiting in limbo.