UEFA make demand to Man City’s owners with strict deadline amid wait for FFP charges hearing

UEFA have presented City with a major dilemma

UEFA has issued a specific requirement to Manchester City’s proprietors concerning their ownership of La Liga club Girona. Girona forms part of the City Football Group, a conglomerate of clubs worldwide overseen by City’s Abu Dhabi owners. Other clubs under the City Football Group umbrella include Yokohama F Marinos in Japan, once managed by Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou, Melbourne City in the Australian A-League, and Troyes in French Ligue 2.

City themselves have not yet faced a potential rule conflict regarding European competitions, as none of their eligible teams have qualified for the Champions League since their respective takeovers. However, this is set to change, as Girona has already secured qualification for next season’s Champions League through their league performance.

UEFA’s multi-club ownership regulations stipulate that two clubs majority-owned by the same entity cannot participate in the same European competition. According to The Times, UEFA has distributed their regulations for the 2024/25 season to clubs this week, and it includes a stringent requirement for City’s owners if they intend for both City and Girona to compete in the Champions League next season. Currently, the owners hold a 47 percent stake in Girona, but UEFA insists that this shareholding must be reduced to below 30 percent in either the Spanish side or City.

Consequently, if City’s owners do not reduce their stake in Girona, the team would be compelled to participate in next season’s Europa League instead. Alternatively, a third option exists, wherein City Football Group could transfer their shares to a ‘blind trust’ overseen by a UEFA panel. However, it’s emphasized in a document circulated to clubs that such a measure would be temporary and granted on an ‘exceptional basis’.

Girona’s current standing in La Liga is impressive, occupying second place under the management of Michel. Nonetheless, their position could be affected, potentially dropping to third depending on the outcomes of fixtures involving third-placed Barcelona.