Senior figures concerned

Senior figures within English football worry Manchester City might play in Champions League next season even if relegated from Premier League for breaching financial regulations.

Champions League qualification

Winning Champions League would give City automatic qualification regardless of their domestic league status.

Financial breach ruling

An independent commission found City guilty of inflating sponsorship revenue by £830m using sham contracts and hiding £90m in expenses.

Premier League appeal

City continue to deny wrongdoing, calling the outcome a 'Premier League conspiracy' and have lodged an appeal against the verdict.

“Premier League conspiracy”

Uefa licence issue

The Uefa licence, required for European competition, is based on current financial performance without historical sanctions.

Potential sanctions

If City lose appeal, they could face points deductions, fines, transfer embargoes, or immediate expulsion from Premier League.

Champions League risk

Winning Champions League next season would allow City to compete despite potential Premier League relegation.