The Champions League has banned Manchester City for two years. The club is unable to participate in the Champions League, Europa League or Super Cup for the next two seasons. Football fans and bettors can no longer bet on the club at all bookmakers, including William Hill even with this offer. The club is appealing the decision as expected by many in the world of soccer. CAS (Court Of Arbitration For Sport) found Manchester City of violating the agreements of UEFA’s Club Licensing and Financial Fair Play Regulations. The CAS believes Manchester City overrated its sponsorship revenue.
The club also received a hefty €30 million fine.
How did we get here?
The troubles for Manchester City began when a German newspaper Der Spiegel leaked information from documents in November 2018 claiming Manchester City had inflated the value of a sponsorship deal to mislead European football league. Clubs are required to break even, but the report claims Manchester City intentionally misled Uefa for the club could meet the standards for financial fair play. Then, UEFA started an investigation about these claims against the club.
In addition, UEFA accused Manchester City of not co-operating during the investigation. This second allegation hurts the club’s case. Courts generally frown upon any individual or organization when the defendant refuses to cooperate. The stack of evidence was piled to the ceiling against Manchester City. Thus, the CAS ruled in favor of UEFA and banned Manchester city.
Appeal
Manchester City is appealing the decision. Manchester City argues the evidence cannot be used against them due to how they believe the documents were obtained. The club is not disputing the authenticity of the documents in evidence. According to Forbes, the club believes the evidence in the case was stolen or hacked by Football Leaks. They are heavily depending on the obtainment of the evidence to help their appeal.
Furthermore, the club’s CEO Ferran Soriano says the allegations are not true. The evidence has been taken out of context from Manchester City’s point of view. He hopes their point of view will lead to a successful appeal. Manchester City needs to prove UEFA misunderstood the documents. Neither party is disputing the authenticity of the evidence.
In addition, Manchester City may initiate another appeal if CAS does not rule in their favor. The next appeal would be heard in the Swiss Federal Supreme Court. The UEFA is in the court’s jurisdiction. This appeal may further lengthen the case. Manchester City is desperately fighting to keep their club in the UEFA. The club’s status for next season would remain in uncertainty.
Possible Settlement
Finally, Manchester City and UEFA could agree to settle the case. This could be the quickest solution if both sides are able to reach an agreement. Manchester City would agree to a type of punishment in this circumstance. The club may be saved, but that would depend on a settlement’s details. Manchester City may see this as their best opportunity to at least remove the ban. Then, their club could participate next season.
Manchester City is endangered of losing the club. There is a lot of evidence against the club for its behavior, and the club is disputing the facts of the content. Their only hopes are the courts reverses the ban due to the obtainment of the evidence. Expect Manchester City to use all of its options to appeal the decision unless they win an appeal. This case may be heard in the Swiss Federal Supreme Court. If the appeal goes to the Swiss Federal Supreme Court, then a final decision will take longer.
