Manchester City owners handed major UEFA ultimatum amid Europa League demotion threat

The City Football Group have been issued with an ultimatum by UEFA regarding participation in the Champions League next season.

Two members of the City Football Group network have qualified for the UEFA Champions League next season, with both Manchester City of the Premier League and Girona FC of La Liga set to compete in the 2024/25 edition of the competition.

Manchester City won a maiden UEFA Champions League in 2023, beating Inter Milan in Istanbul to win the historic European competition for the first time in the club’s history, courtesy of Rodri’s second-half strike.

Pep Guardiola’s side were unable to retain their European crown this season however, after Manchester City were dumped out of the competition at the quarter-final stages by Real Madrid, following a dramatic penalty shoot-out at the Etihad Stadium.

The Sky Blues, who will bid to win a fourth successive Premier League title this weekend, have already secured qualification for the Champions League next season, with 25 points separating Manchester City and fifth placed Tottenham.

Manchester City sister-club Girona in Spain have also secured Champions League football next season, with an historic campaign having seen the Catalan club cement a top four finish in La Liga.

Girona are at risk of demotion to the Europa League next season however, after UEFA handed Manchester City’s owners an ultimatum, with strict integrity rules currently preventing both clubs from competing in the Champions League.

The Associated Press report that the City Football Group’s Abu Dhabi ownership have been handed divestment options, with the need to reduce one ownership stake to below 30%, or transfer all shares in one club to a blind trust overseen by a panel appointed by UEFA.

The City Football Group have a 47% share in Girona, with the brother of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola also a part-owner of the La Liga club.

The CFG have until June 3rd to reportedly solve the issue, with Manchester City expected to be handed the Champions League spot ahead of Girona, should no resolution be found.