Man City could play in Champions League next season even if relegated

Manchester City could still compete in next season’s Champions League even if they are relegated from the Premier League over financial breaches, according to BBC Sport. The concern centres on a possible scenario in which City win this season’s Champions League, potentially securing qualification as holders regardless of their domestic status.

BBC Sport reports there is currently no automatic mechanism to remove a club from European competition after sporting qualification. An independent commission found City guilty of financial breaches, while the club continues to deny wrongdoing and has appealed the verdict. Potential sanctions include a points deduction, fine, transfer restrictions or Premier League expulsion.