Manchester City case raises fears they could still reach Champions League

Senior figures in English football are concerned Manchester City could still play in the 2026-27 Champions League even if they face relegation-level style consequences after breaching financial regulations.

BBC Sport reports the key scenario is that if City win the Champions League, they could qualify as titleholders regardless of what happens in the domestic pyramid. The concern is that there is no automatic way to remove them from a European competition they earn on sporting merit.

The case stems from an independent commission finding City guilty over charges linked to inflating sponsorship revenue by £830m through sham contracts, plus hiding other expenses worth an additional £90m. City deny wrongdoing and last week lodged an appeal against the verdict.

The licence is the sticking point

The immediate issue centres on the UEFA licence needed to play in Europe. If the appeal is not successful, sanctions could include heavy points deductions, a large fine and transfer embargoes, though the sanction hearing has yet to be scheduled. Even if points deduction blocks league qualification, cup routes could still keep them in.