Manchester City chief executive Ferran Soriano has told a meeting of fellow club chiefs their fight against the Premier League could take years to conclude, Sky News understands.

Soriano declined to answer questions from Sky News about the case as he left a private meeting of the executive board of the European Football Clubs' body in Copenhagen.

But inside the room, sources have told Sky News that Soriano brought up the case against City, referencing the interest of other clubs - without directly mentioning the verdict of guilt over financial wrongdoing for years.

Soriano is understood to have referenced how it has been eight years since the allegations of misconduct were first made and how it will take a lot more time for a conclusion.

Sources say he expressed a determination to fight the case - with City able to appeal while there is a separate process that will determine sanctions.

Sky Sports News understands that the process is moving to the appeal stage, after reports claimed that most of the charges against the club for breaking Financial Fair Play rules were found to have been proven.

The Premier League and City have not denied that the club has been found guilty of the majority of charges which were first brought against them in 2023.

City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said in a statement on Saturday: "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."

A City spokesperson said on Friday: "The Premier League process remains ongoing, with significant elements to be completed, and subject to strict confidentiality.

"As such Manchester City FC's position remains consistent with the club's statement of February 2023.

"The club has diligently respected due process for eight years on the basis that the Premier League board and executive would behave as an independent, impartial and fair-minded regulator, free from partisan influence."