It’s no longer news that Premier League Champions Manchester City have been banned by UEFA from all European competitions for two seasons due to ‘serious breaches’ of Financial Fair Play and UEFA Club Licensing regulations, as well as not cooperating with the investigation.Man City were also fined €30m (£24.9m) which could have enormous ramifications surrounding several issues at the club.
But City Manchester City have confirmed that they will be appealing the decision.
A statement read: “Manchester City is disappointed but not surprised by today’s announcement by the UEFA Adjudicatory Chamber.
“With this prejudicial process now over, the Club will pursue an impartial judgment as quickly as possible and will therefore, in the first instance, commence proceedings with the Court of Arbitration for Sport at the earliest opportunity.”
But the big questions here are what does it mean and the potential impact on Manchester City.
Top Four Race Now Top Five Race
With Liverpool running away with the Premier League title, the battle for the fourth place is now open and the fifth gets the spare one, a fascinating battle will be in process.
Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham have all been chasing down a spot.
And surprise packages Sheffield United, Wolves and Everton are also in contention.
With City more than likely to finish in the top four anyway, it means that the fifth-placed side will now play in the prestigious tournament.
That means that the likes of Chelsea and Leicester can breathe a sigh of relief with their spots up for grabs.
And it will come as a huge boost to the likes of United and Arsenal.
It makes for an exciting Premier League battle with the spots for Europe blown wide open.
Losing Out in Champions League Money
The Champions League is a major revenue stream for clubs and could have long-term implications for City.
UEFA income is critical and it can be worth up to £100m a year. Home fixtures in the Champions League can be worth another £30m or £40m.
In terms of Man City satisfying future Financial Fair Play rules, it will be harder considering City could lose around £150m yearly
Guardiola’s Future Cast In Doubt
There have been speculations about Pep Guardiola future at the Etihad with his contract set to expire in 2021, but the latest ban could mean the Spaniard making an exit from the Premier League.
Yet Guardiola has also consistently expressed his trust in the City hierarchy when they have assured him there was no foundation to the claims being looked into by Uefa’s investigatory panel.
However, it is fair to assume that after winning back-to-back Premier League titles with staggering points tallies that eclipsed anything that had gone before and, in addition, becoming the first side to win all three domestic trophies in a single season, Guardiola may struggle for motivation.
If City win the Champions League this season, Guardiola could go anyway. It is impossible to imagine him staying and, amid persistent rumours of interest from big clubs. Guardiola’s City future would seem to hinge on whether the club are successful in their appeal.
Mass Exodus Of Players
We already know veteran midfielder David Silva will be leaving at the end of the season. But the number of players whose contracts are due to expire before City will return to the Champions League is a concern.
Striker Sergio Aguero is at the top of that list. His deal expires in 2021. Leroy Sane’s deal ends at the same time. John Stones’ expires a year later. The same is also true of Nicolas Otamendi.
And what of the plethora of stars who are under contract beyond 2022, such as Kevin de Bruyne, Ederson, Bernardo Silva, Raheem Sterling, Bernardo Silva and Riyad Mahrez?
If Guardiola leaves City, more players are likely to follow suit, which could leave City with a massive rebuilding process.
