Manchester City are refusing to plan for life in the Championship, even as the club's long-running financial case rumbles on. The Blues remain convinced they can overturn the verdict, according to a report from Football Insider, and have no intention of drawing up contingency plans for relegation.

No Contingency Plans

Last week, reports suggested City had been found guilty of the vast majority of the Premier League's financial charges. The club continue to deny any wrongdoing. Sources indicate that the hierarchy are not currently considering a major restructuring of the first-team squad, nor are they making preparations for a possible drop into the Championship. The message from the Etihad is clear: they believe the legal battle is far from finished.

According to Football Insider, City remain "confident" that an appeal will ultimately go in their favour. The report claims the club's hierarchy intend to continue protesting their innocence until every available legal route has been exhausted. That process could significantly delay any final outcome, meaning uncertainty around possible sanctions could continue well beyond this season.

Soriano's Message

City chief executive Ferran Soriano addressed members of the European Football Clubs board this week, telling them that the club intend to clear their name and believe they can eventually win the case. He also indicated that the process could still take a considerable amount of time. Reuters have reported that sanctions could range from fines and points deductions to relegation, but City are clearly not planning for the worst-case scenario.

If the club's Premier League status were to change, several members of City's squad would inevitably attract major interest. Reports have already linked Arsenal and Real Madrid with Erling Haaland, and the prospect of a fire sale is one that the club are evidently unwilling to entertain. For now, the focus remains on fighting the charges and proving their innocence.

City's unwavering stance is a bold one. The coming months will reveal whether their confidence is justified.