Girona and Manchester City Face Exclusion from UEFA Champions League Due to Shared Ownership

Spanish Club Girona and Premier League Powerhouse Manchester City Could Miss Out on UCL Participation

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Spanish side Girona and English giants Manchester City are at risk of being excluded from the UEFA Champions League in the upcoming season. Girona, currently holding the second position in La Liga, experienced a setback after a 1-1 draw with Real Betis, causing them to slip from the top spot they previously occupied.

Manchester City, residing in fourth place in the Premier League, faces a challenging season with recent back-to-back draws, indicating a departure from their dominant form. The team, managed by Pep Guardiola, has encountered three defeats in the English Premier League campaign.

The potential exclusion stems from UEFA rules that prevent clubs with shared ownership from participating in the same tournament. Girona and Manchester City, both under the ownership of the City Football Group—a part of the Abu Dhabi United Group—fall under this regulation. The initial ownership stake in Girona by the City Football Group was 44.3%, later increasing to 47%.

The UEFA rule explicitly states, "No individual or legal entity may have control or influence over more than one club participating in a UEFA club competition." This prohibition extends to clubs owned by the same individual or entity, ensuring fair play and competition integrity.

Interestingly, a precedent exists with RB Leipzig and Salzburg, allowed to compete in the Champions League in 2017 despite their ties to Red Bull. However, the situation with Girona and Manchester City raises questions about UEFA's consistent application of ownership regulations.