Manchester City could still play in next season's Champions League even if their appeal to Court of Arbitration for Sport fails.
City's appeal to CAS was confirmed on Wednesday as the club attempt to fight their suspension for 'serious breaches' of UEFA's financial regulations.
However, a statement released by the court stated 'it is not possible' to put a time frame on the matter being solved.
That means City could find themselves in next season's Champions League even if the appeal is knocked back.
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Managing editor of the International Sports Law Journal Christopher Flanagan explained per Daily Mail:
"As a part of the CAS process, City have the option to apply for 'Provisional and Conservatory Measures' such as a stay of the ban pending a full hearing.
"We don't yet know if City have chosen to exercise that right. If they do, UEFA will have a right of reply, and it would then be up to the arbitrator(s) to decide whether those provisional measures are granted.
"In making that decision, the arbitrator(s) will consider aspects such as whether irreparable harm would be done to City, the likelihood of City's case being successful overall, and the competing interests of City and UEFA."
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Admissions had to reach UEFA by June 3 last year which was eight days before the initial draw.
That means City would stay in next season's competition if the appeal isn't resolved by June 1.
Pep Guardiola's side wouldn't escape a ban all together however and would serve it in the following two seasons.
It changes the complexion of the race for Champions League in the Premier League completely.
Many had speculated that fifth place in the Premier League would take the final Champions League spot ahead of City.
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Bitter City rivals Manchester United currently occupy fifth place and they'd have to settle for Europa League football next season.
City's ban was announced last month are being found to have circumvented FFP (Financial Fair Play) rules between 2012 and 2016.
Chief executive Ferran Soriano has stated that the documentation presented in defense of the club is 'irrefutable evidence that the claims are not true.'
Do you think Manchester City will play in the Champions League next season?
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Topics: Manchester City, Football News, Football, Champions League
