Senior figures within English and European football have expressed concern about Manchester City potentially qualifying for next season's Champions League despite facing possible sanctions over historical financial breaches. The issue centres on Uefa club licensing, which is based on current financial criteria and does not account for past sanctions or historical offences. Sources indicate that even if City face severe penalties such as points deductions, fines, or transfer embargoes, they could still qualify for Europe via league position or cup competitions like the FA Cup or Carabao Cup.
The Premier League disciplinary process, which found City guilty of five charges related to Uefa's profit and sustainability rules, is ongoing, with no confirmed timeline for resolution. While Uefa cannot act until the Premier League process concludes, its Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) is reportedly discussing scenarios to address City's eligibility if sanctions are upheld but they still qualify for the Champions League. Concerns are heightened by the precedent of City's successful appeal against a Uefa ban in 2020, which was overturned on procedural grounds due to time-barred offences.
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing