Man City’s Champions League route revealed after potential expulsion
Man City would need to win the Champions League to qualify if they face expulsion from the Premier League, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that the Citizens’ only route to the competition would be to win the trophy the season before they face the devastating punishment.
The winners of Europe’s elite football competition automatically qualify for next season regardless of their league position, meaning Pep Guardiola’s outfit could participate even if they weren’t in the Premier League.
Both Everton and Nottingham Forest have faced points deductions for a single breach of profit and sustainability laws this season, but City could reportedly be hit with expulsion from the league depending on their conviction.
Man City need Champions League victory if expelled from league
The reigning league and Champions League winners were hit with 115 charges in February 2023 for alleged PSR breaches between 2009 and 2018.
Such a punishment was recently cited by the independent commission’s report into Forest’s charges earlier this month (18 March), which noted that a major breach could result in expulsion from the top flight.
Well-placed sources have told Football Insider (25 March) that hearings into City’s alleged crimes could commence in autumn – around the start of next season.
Allegations levelled at the club include not complying with UEFA’s financial rules, failing to disclose the remunerations made to a former manager and not providing accurate financial information.
Man City sit third in the Premier League table and most recently advanced to the semi-finals of the FA Cup after beating Newcastle United 2-0 on 16 March.
They are next back in league action to face top-of-the-table Arsenal at home on Sunday (31 March).
In other news, Man City 115 charges: Pete O’Rourke reveals what the ‘Premier League are saying’ about case.
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