Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: UEFA, Manchester City, Girona, Football, Champions League, Premier League
Ryan Smart
Topics: UEFA, Manchester City, Girona, Football, Champions League, Premier League
UEFA have made a specific demand to Manchester City's owners surrounding their current ownership of La Liga side Girona.
Girona are part of the City Football Group - a conglomerate of clubs from across the world which is ultimately overseen by City's Abu Dhabi owners.
Among the other clubs owned by the City Football Group include Japanese giants Yokohama F Marinos - who were once managed by Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou - Australian A-League side Melbourne City and French Ligue 2 outfit Troyes.
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City themselves are yet to encounter a potential rule conflict when it comes to competing in European competitions, as none of their eligible teams have qualified for the Champions League since their respective takeovers.
But that is about to change, with Girona having already qualified for next season's Champions League through their finishing position.
UEFA multi-club ownership regulations state that two clubs who are majority owned by the same ownership cannot compete in the same European competition.
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And as per The Times, UEFA have sent their regulations for the 2024/25 season to clubs this week - and it contains a strict demand that City's owners need to adhere to if they want both City and Girona to play in the Champions League next season.
They currently own 47 per cent of Girona, but UEFA require that the shareholding is reduced to below 30 per cent in either the Spanish side or City.
As a result, City's owners would need to reduce their stake in Girona - or the team will have to compete in next season's Europa League instead.
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However, it is added that a third option involves City Football Group transferring their shares to a 'blind trust' overseen by a UEFA panel. It is stated within a document sent to clubs, however, that such a measure would only be temporary and granted on an 'exceptional basis'.
Girona are currently in second place in La Liga after a hugely impressive season under manager Michel, although could drop to third depending on the outcome of third-placed Barcelona's fixtures.