Unease is spreading among senior figures in English and European football over the possibility that Manchester City could qualify for next season's Champions League even as they await punishment for breaching financial regulations, BBC Sport has reported.
An independent commission recently found City guilty of five charges relating to breaches of the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules. Should that verdict survive an appeal, the club is expected to face significant sanctions, potentially including a heavy points deduction, a substantial fine, or restrictions on transfer activity. Even expulsion from the Premier League has been floated as a possible outcome.
According to sources who spoke to BBC Sport, there is widespread discomfort at the idea that City could still compete among Europe's top clubs - and reap the associated financial rewards - if found to have committed serious breaches. One insider described the matter of City's UEFA license as having