UEFA could intervene if Manchester City face Premier League relegation

Manchester City could still be eligible to play in the Champions League and other European competitions next season even if they are relegated from the Premier League, prompting concern among senior English football officials.

The club is facing potentially severe sanctions if its appeal against the findings of an independent commission is rejected. The commission found Manchester City guilty of all charges relating to breaches of Premier League financial rules over a nine-season period, as well as most of the allegations concerning a failure to co-operate with the league’s investigation.

Manchester City continue to deny all the allegations and have appealed against the decision.

The commission concluded that the club had inflated sponsorship revenue by about £830m through fictitious contracts and had concealed further expenditure worth approximately £90m.

It also found Manchester City would not have complied with the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons without those alleged breaches.

Relegation would not automatically block European entry

If the appeal fails, Manchester City could face a range of punishments, including a points deduction, financial penalties and possible expulsion from the Premier League.

However, according to the BBC, there is concern that the club could remain in the Champions League or another European competition next season if it qualifies through its results on the pitch.

Manchester City are currently competing in the Champions League. Should they win the competition for a second time, they would automatically secure a place in the following season’s tournament.

Even if they do not lift the trophy, the club could qualify for one of UEFA’s competitions through their final Premier League position. That could mean the Champions League, Europa League or Conference League, depending on where they finish and the number of European qualifying places available.

The issue is that there is no automatic mechanism to prevent Manchester City from entering a European competition for which they qualify on sporting merit.

UEFA licences are awarded on the basis of a club’s current financial position, meaning it is not currently clear what legal grounds could be used to deny Manchester City a licence, the report said.

UEFA investigation remains possible

Senior figures in English and European football are aware of the potential impact if Manchester City receive significant sanctions domestically but continue to compete in the Champions League as normal.

The Premier League investigation also found the club guilty of five breaches of UEFA’s financial sustainability regulations.

As a result, UEFA could decide to open its own investigation under its disciplinary regulations. That process could examine whether there is a legal route to prevent Manchester City from playing in European competitions if the club is deemed eligible to qualify for them after any sanctions imposed in England.