Ceferin Defends Decision to Expel Manchester City from Champions League

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has stood by the organization’s decision to initially ban Manchester City from the Champions League for breaching financial rules. In February 2020, Manchester City faced suspension from the prestigious tournament due to violations of Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations, risking a two-year ban. However, the club’s successful appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in July 2020 resulted in the overturning of this ban.

Ceferin, with his 25 years of experience as a trial lawyer, expressed confidence in UEFA’s judgement during an interview with the Daily Telegraph. He stated, “We know we were right. We wouldn’t decide if we didn’t think we were right.” Although respecting the court’s decision, Ceferin expressed trust in the initial decision made by UEFA’s independent body.

CAS’s verdict found some of the allegations against Manchester City unproven, allowing the club to defend its case successfully in court. Despite the potential ban, Manchester City not only participated in the 2020-21 Champions League season but also reached the final, ultimately losing to Chelsea in Porto. They also made it to the semi-finals in the 2021-22 season.

Presently, Manchester City is dealing with over 100 alleged violations of the Premier League’s financial regulations and is preparing for a hearing with an independent commission. This comes amid the Premier League’s recent actions against Everton and Nottingham Forest for violating Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), leading to a tense atmosphere in the Manchester City camp. Everton, as a result of these sanctions, have received a 10-point deduction and are currently just above the relegation zone with 17 points in the ongoing season.