A claim has emerged that City could face a lengthy ban from European competition if their appeal against the Premier League commission’s findings is unsuccessful.
Colombian broadcaster César Augusto Londoño has claimed UEFA is close to announcing that City would be excluded from its competitions for between seven and 10 years if the appeal fails. However, there has been no confirmation from UEFA that such a punishment is being considered, while the claim has not been supported by an official announcement or document.
City are currently competing in the Champions League and have appealed against the independent commission’s findings.
Claim made over potential UEFA punishment
Football365 reported Londoño’s claim on Friday, describing the potential punishment as a ban from all European competition for a period of seven to 10 years. If imposed, such a sanction would have major implications for City’s participation in the Champions League and other UEFA competitions.
There is, though, no official indication at this stage that a ban of that length has been decided or is about to be announced. The report ultimately traces back to Londoño’s claim rather than a statement from UEFA.
It should therefore be treated as unconfirmed while City’s legal process with the Premier League continues.
City appeal remains ongoing
The Premier League confirmed on October 2 that City had appealed the independent commission’s decision, with the hearing to remain private and confidential until publication of the outcome is permitted.
City maintain their innocence and argue that the commission’s opinion contains material errors of law, principle and fact. The club have also reportedly strengthened their legal team for the process, with leading barrister Mark Howard KC brought in for the Man City appeal.
Until the appeal is determined or UEFA makes an official statement, the suggestion of a seven-to-10-year European ban remains an unverified claim rather than a confirmed punishment.
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