Senior figures worried about Man City being in next season’s Champions League

Senior figures within English football are concerned that Manchester City could still play in the Champions League next season, even if relegated for breaching financial regulations. If City win the Champions League, they would qualify as titleholders regardless of their domestic league status. There is currently no automatic mechanism to bar a club that qualifies on sporting merit, prompting worries over the optics and financial rewards City could receive amid severe domestic sanctions.

An independent commission found City guilty of inflating sponsorship revenues by £830m and concealing expenses, though the club has appealed. While potential domestic penalties include points deductions or expulsion, UEFA licences are awarded based on current financial criteria rather than historical breaches. Consequently, European football's governing body may need to explore disciplinary avenues through its Club Financial Control Body to address City's eligibility if their appeal fails.