January 31, 2024

Man City Risk Missing Champions League Next Year

Treble winners Manchester City may not qualify for the UEFA Champions League at all next year after a rocky season in the English Premier League (EPL).

If Spanish club Girona emerges at the top of the La Liga, they will qualify for the European play-offs in 2025, automatically disqualifying their English counterparts.

Sounds complicated? Well, that’s because it sort of is. Under UEFA rules, no two teams from within the same ownership umbrella can compete against one another. The City Football Group currently owns a 44.3% stake in Girona, which was acquired in August 2017.

The Whites and Reds are currently sitting at number one in the top division of Spanish football, poised as a serious contender. The Citizens, on the other hand, have slid down to third place on the EPL table, below Liverpool and Arsenal.

If both sides finish the season at the top of their respective leagues, Man City will automatically qualify for the Champions League as they have the highest club coefficient based on their past performances.

The next few days will be crucial for Citizens fans, as their club is slated to face off against Burnley tonight, Wednesday 31 January, at Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England. Predictions favour the hosts.

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