In a recent interview with Britain’s Daily Telegraph, UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin reaffirmed the organization’s stance on expelling Manchester City from the Champions League for violating financial regulations.
Ceferin expressed confidence in UEFA’s decision, stating, “We know we were right. We wouldn’t decide if we didn’t think we were right.”
The initial two-year suspension, imposed by UEFA’s Club Financial Control Body in February 2020, was later overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in July of the same year. CAS determined that some alleged breaches were not proven, while others were time-barred. The club’s fine for non-cooperation with CFCB investigators was reduced to €10 million (£8.6 million).
Referring to the ongoing case in England, where the Premier League referred City to an independent commission for over 100 breaches of financial rules, Ceferin stated, “I trust that the decision of our independent body was correct.” The Premier League’s chief executive, Richard Masters, defended the time taken for the charges against City, emphasizing the case’s unique “volume and character.”
Despite City’s triumphant treble last season, concerns linger over their on-field success until all allegations regarding financial fair play rules are resolved.