Manchester City have won their appeal against a European ban and will be free to play in 2020/2021 Champions League.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) agreed with the Ctizens that Uefa’s decision to throw them out of their competitions for “serious breaches” of their financial fair play rules and their club licensing rules, as well as alleged non-cooperation, was wrong. The verdict was given today 9:30am UK time.
The fine has been reduced to 10 million Euros with the ban lifted.
The statement from CAS
Following the hearing, the CAS Panel deliberated and concluded that the decision issued on 14 February 2020 by the Adjudicatory Chamber of the CFCB should be set aside and replaced by the following:
a.) MCFC has contravened Article 56 of the Club Licensing and Financial Fair Play Regulations.
b.) MCFC shall pay a fine of EUR 10,000,000 to the UEFA, within 30 days as from the date ofissuance of the arbitral award.
Manchester city have responded to the positive news.
Whilst Manchester City and its legal advisors are yet to review the full ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the Club welcomes the implications of today’s ruling as a validation of the Club’s position and the body of evidence that it was able to present. The Club wishes to thank the panel members for their diligence and the due process that they administered.
What it means for Manchester United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Sheffield united, Tottenham Hostpur, and Arsenal
A potential Manchester City ban would have seen some of this teams fight for the number 5 position while the Europa League spots move further down.
As things stand now, Arsenal are almost out of the Europa League contention with the FA cup as their saving grace. If they win the cup, they qualify for the Europa League group stage.
Manchester united have their future in their hands, win your Southampton game and you move to third while Leicester and Chelsea battle for the top four. Wolverhampton still need help from others to clinch a spot in the Europa League.
What it means for Manchester City
Manchester city will be happy at this positive news because they will be able to keep their stars such as Kevin De Bruyne, Sterling, Bernado Silva, and others. Pep Guardiola is likely to stay after the announcement and hope to pursue the major trophies next season.
