Manchester City, the defending champions of Europe, find themselves in a predicament with UEFA. Pep Guardiola’s side can get banned from UCL for the 2024/25 season due to a complex UEFA regulation.
The English club might be kicked out of the UCL due to the current La Liga leader, Girona. The Spanish side ownership structure is the main issue in this case. Manchester City and Girona are both owned by CFG – City Football Group. The CFG is the holding company in which Abu Dhabi United Group owns 81% ownership.
Girona continue leading the La Liga title race 🤯 pic.twitter.com/ZAb2N2WDk3
— GOAL (@goal) December 11, 2023
CFG acquired Girona in August 2017 having already owned Manchester City. Girona’s current form will qualify them for UCL in 2024/25 which will trigger the multi-ownership rules of UEFA. As per the rules, two teams cannot face each other in UEFA competitions if they are controlled/owned by the same party.
If both, Girona and Manchester City, qualify for the UCL, then the team that finishes higher in their league will be allowed to participate in the tournament. As per current standing, Girona will go ahead over Manchester City to play in the UCL in the 2024/25 season.
City Football Group and Pere Guardiola joint agreement for Girona
Girona is the biggest surprise in Europe as they lead the Spanish league ahead of FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atlético Madrid with 41 points in 16 games. They are two points clear of Real Madrid and seven clear of FC Barcelona. On the other hand, Manchester City has slipped from first to fourth due to their recent poor run of form.
CFG joined hands with Girona Football Group to acquire Girona FC after both bought a 44% stake in the club. The Spanish club enjoyed their best period in its 90-year history when they achieved promotion to La Liga in 2017.
The investment from CFG has helped the club to slowly cement its footing in La Liga through the construction of a Sports City, renovation of their current stadium, and development of talent at the grassroots level.
Fun fact: Pep Guardiola’s brother Pere is the Girona’s board president! 🔴🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/jIbWrBN1bI
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) December 12, 2023
Among all this expansion, Pere Guardiola, brother of Pep Guardiola was heavily involved. Pere Guardiola acquired sixteen percent shares of Girona in 2017 and became the president of the board in 2020. Under his guidance, the club has seen immense growth in the last few years.
Pere Guardiola founded Media Base Sports in 2009, a sports agency that has represented various Portuguese and Spanish prospects. He has worked as an agent of Luis Suarez and Andres Iniesta. As the situation stands, Pere Guardiola can lead Girona to UCL which can lead to a major roadblock for his brother, Pep Guardiola and his side Manchester City.
Manchester United can benefit from UEFA’s ban on Manchester City
There is another layer to this story that involves Manchester United. If Manchester City gets banned from UCL. It will open the door for Manchester United. They are currently sixth in the Premier League and will get the nod above their city rivals. From next year, the format of UCL is changing. It will likely allow five teams from England to qualify for the tournament.
“If Nice finishes higher than Manchester United in their respective leagues UCL spots, United could be banned from the UCL & Europa league!” 🤯 @markgoldbridge discusses how Sir Jim’s ownership in #mufc could hinder their ambitions in Europe.
What are your thoughts?👇 pic.twitter.com/jZO2QlrEhJ
— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) November 23, 2023
If Manchester City gets out of the way, then the sixth-place team in the Premier League will get the qualification. It will likely be Manchester United considering their current form however, they are also subject to the same regulations’ after the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The Premier League qualification for UCL will be a complex matter in 2024.