Amidst Manchester City’s ongoing Champions League campaign, concerns loom over their future participation in the prestigious tournament.
With their ownership ties to Girona FC under scrutiny, UEFA regulations threaten to disrupt City’s European ambitions, casting a shadow over their Champions League aspirations.
Manchester City’s Champions League Dilemma
Manchester City faces uncertainty over its Champions League future amid concerns arising from its ownership ties with Girona FC.
The partnership between City Football Group and the Spanish club has triggered UEFA regulations, potentially jeopardizing both teams’ participation in European competitions next season.
With Girona’s impressive performance in La Liga, sitting second in the table, and Manchester City’s strong position in the Premier League, UEFA’s regulations regarding club ownership could lead to City’s exclusion from the Champions League, as i news reports.
UEFA’s Monitoring and Possible Consequences
UEFA closely monitors the situation, assessing the extent of City’s ownership influence on Girona and its implications for European competitions.
The ownership stake held by City Football Group in Girona, currently standing at 47%, raises concerns regarding compliance with UEFA’s regulations, which prohibit multiple clubs owned by the same entity from participating in the same European tournament.
If both Girona and Manchester City secure qualification for the Champions League, UEFA regulations dictate that only the highest-placed team in their respective leagues can compete, leaving City vulnerable to exclusion.
Potential Remedial Measures
In light of the impending dilemma, Manchester City may be compelled to take remedial measures to mitigate the risk of Champions League exclusion.
Options may include reducing their ownership stake in Girona to comply with UEFA regulations, similar to actions taken by other clubs in similar situations.
Clubs like Aston Villa and Brighton have adjusted their ownership structures to resolve conflicts arising from their affiliations with sister clubs in European competitions.
Manchester City might need to follow suit to safeguard their participation in the Champions League and avoid potential penalties from UEFA.