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Why RB Leipzig Could Be Banned From Champions League Despite Qualifying

Why RB Leipzig Could Be Banned From Champions League Despite Qualifying

They sealed qualification to Europe's top competition yesterday.

Josh Lawless

Josh Lawless

In their first ever season in the Bundesliga, RB Leipzig achieved qualification to the Champions League yesterday following a 4-0 win over SC Freiburg yesterday.

The new boys are currently in second position, on 61 points, and their latest victory means they cannot finish lower than fourth position - which typically guarantees Champions League football for the forthcoming season.

Except it might not, in Leipzig's case.

The club are of course backed by drink manufacturers Red Bull, which has led to a good chunk of other German clubs and their fans hating them for they way they have achieved their success.

Image: PA

Red Bull own several clubs across the world and one of those is Red Bull Salzburg in the Austrian top tier.

Salzburg are currently 15 points clear at the top of the table in the Austrian Bundesliga, meaning that both Red Bull clubs are set to play in the top club competition in Europe next season.

However, UEFA regulations prevent two clubs owned by the same company competing in the same competition.

That means that Leipzig could well be banned from appearing in next season's Champions League.

Image: PA

According to the BBC, the club will have to wait until June to find out whether or not they will be part of the Champions League next season .

Back in February, a UEFA spokesman revealed that the governing body would be taking a look at the situation.

Speaking to Salzburger Nachrichten he said:

"This will be verified by Uefa once we have received the competition entry forms from the national football associations after the end of the season in the respective leagues."

Leipzig CEO Oliver Mintzlaff remains confident that both sides will be able to compete in the Champions League without any issues.

Image: PA

Speaking back in February, he said:

"We are not nervous at RB Leipzig and also the Uefa signals don't exit. If we qualify there is no reason why we should doubt to play in Europe next season."

Keep your eyes peeled on this one.

As always, let us know your thoughts on the topic in the comments.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Red Bull Salzburg, RB Leipzig, Bundesliga