Some people have recently been discussing the prospect of Manchester City being banned from the UEFA Champions League in 2024/25.
The treble winners have been involved in a complex conversation due to Girona’s position at the top of La Liga – the Spanish side are also owned by the City Football Group.
So, why have some been suggesting that Manchester City could be banned from the 2024/25 Champions League? Let’s take a look…
Why some people think Manchester City could be banned from the UEFA Champions League in 2024/25
Well, it is to do with UEFA’s current rules on multi-club ownership.
Article 5 of UEFA’s Champions League regulations state: “No club, either directly or indirectly, holds or deals in securities or shares of any other club participating in a Uefa club competition; no club is a member of any other club participating in a Uefa club competition; no one has any power whatsoever or is simultaneously involved, directly or indirectly, in any capacity whatsoever in the management, administration and/or sporting performance of more than one club participating in a Uefa club competition; and no one has control or decisive influence over more than one club in a Uefa club competition.”
As things stand, Girona are top of La Liga and find themselves on track to qualify for the UEFA Champions League – so there could be a problem if Manchester City also qualify.
UEFA’s current rules – as also mentioned by 90min – would give priority to whoever finishes higher in the table out of Girona and Manchester City.
Surprisingly, Pep Guardiola’s side are currently fourth in the Premier League while Girona sit atop Spain’s leading division above Barcelona and Real Madrid, so Michel’s men are currently on track to qualify ahead of the Citizens.
Manchester City unlikely to receive Champions League ban
While this is the situation under current regulations, it is unlikely that Manchester City will actually be banned from competing in the Champions League next season.
The Telegraph believe UEFA are considering relaxing these rules as multi-club ownership models become more frequent in modern football.
A story from 90min also revealed that Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS firm had been in touch with UEFA ahead of part-owning Manchester United, as they already own OGC Nice in France, who are second in Ligue 1.
They were assured that no problems would occur in the event of Manchester United and OGC Nice both qualifying for the Champions League, so Manchester City and Girona are likely to be fine.
