Liverpool’s rivals Manchester City could be banned from next season’s Champions League following a UEFA conflict of interest investigation.
Manchester City are at risk of being knocked out of next season’s Champions League due to Girona’s success in La Liga. Girona, part-owned by City Football Group, have been a surprise success in Spain this year as they compete for the La Liga title.
UEFA rules state that two clubs from the same group cannot compete in the same European competition, which could result in both teams being unable to participate. If Girona qualify for the Champions League, while Arsenal and Liverpool are ahead of City in the Premier League, Pep Guardiola’s reigning champions could be knocked out of the competition.
UEFA are reportedly closely monitoring the relationship between City and Girona. It comes after the Spanish outfit announced the transfer of 19-year-old Savio to City following an impressive season under Michel. City Football Group may have to reduce its stake in Girona if both clubs qualify for the Champions League.
This is similar to what happened when Aston Villa and Brighton qualified for the same European competition alongside sister teams Vitoria de Guimaraes and Royale Union Saint-Gillois respectively. Manchester United own Ligue 1 club Nice and could face similar problems after Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s bid for a 25% stake was approved.
Once the dispute is confirmed, UEFA’s financial watchdog will investigate City’s relationship with Girona. Unless there are big changes behind the scenes, both clubs could struggle to qualify for the Champions League.
UEFA competition regulations state that no individual or group can “control or influence” more than one club playing in the same tournament. If an investigation reveals that people from City Football Group control both clubs and cannot make the necessary changes to their corporate structure, only the top-placed teams in their domestic leagues will be eligible to play in the Champions League.
Other teams go to the Europa League. If Girona and City are tied in the league, the team with the highest winning percentage will decide which will be City, who won the Champions League last year.
However, if Girona are ahead of the Premier League champions, they will qualify for the Champions League. They are now second behind Real Madrid.
Moreover, Liverpool is in first place in the English Premier League. City are two points behind Jurgen Klopp’s side, while Arsenal are third with fewer goals than the Etihad side.
