Man City could still qualify for Champions League if relegated, senior figures warn
October 7, 2026 14:20
Senior figures within English football have told BBC Sport they are concerned Manchester City could still play in next season's Champions League even if they are relegated for breaching financial regulations. The concern centres on the possibility City win the Champions League, which would provide qualification for the competition as titleholders regardless of their domestic status.
THE FINDINGS AND CLUB RESPONSE
An independent commission found City guilty of charges related to inflating sponsorship revenue by £830m using sham contracts and of hiding other expenses worth an additional £90m. The commission said that, without this conduct, City would have failed the profit and sustainability rules in all nine seasons between 2009-10 and 2017-18. City deny wrongdoing, described the outcome as a "Premier League conspiracy" and have lodged an appeal.
WHY THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ISSUE ARISES
There is no automatic mechanism to remove a club from a European competition it qualifies for on sporting merit, BBC Sport was told. Entry to UEFA competitions depends on a UEFA licence, which is issued by the Football Association but the process is delegated to the Premier League. Licences are based on current information and, if a club fulfils the minimum admission criteria, the licence cannot be refused.
The documented grounds for refusing a licence include overdue payables to other teams, unpaid player wages or outstanding tax liabilities. Match‑fixing convictions within the last 10 years or certain integrity conflicts can be considered — the sources said these would not apply to City.
CONCERNS AND POTENTIAL SANCTIONS
Those BBC Sport spoke to said the optics would be poor if City faced strong sanctions yet played in Europe and received associated financial rewards. If the independent commission's verdict is upheld on appeal, potential punishments discussed include heavy points deductions, a large fine and transfer embargos. Expulsion from the Premier League immediately is also an option. A points deduction could prevent qualification via the league but City might still qualify through cup competitions. The sanctioning hearing to determine punishment has not yet been scheduled.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
City's appeal against the commission's verdict is ongoing. Senior figures cautioned that the full process, including any appeal, is not guaranteed to be completed by the end of the season.