Manchester City have conceded to ‘practical realities’ in reaching a settlement agreement with Uefa under financial fair play rules. In effect this means that they have given priority to ensuring that they are in the Champions League next season, albeit with a reduced squad.
By holding out €40m of the €60m fine has been suspended and they are confident they can meet break even targets given enhanced commercial and television revenues.
Manchester City have conceded to ‘practical realities’ in reaching a settlement agreement with Uefa under financial fair play rules. In effect this means that they have given priority to ensuring that they are in the Champions League next season, albeit with a reduced squad.
By holding out €40m of the €60m fine has been suspended and they are confident they can meet break even targets given enhanced commercial and television revenues.
Of the other clubs penalised, Paris Saint Germain have had a harsher settlement than City and say that it will handicap their ability to compete against other top clubs in Europe. Three Russian clubs, three Turkish clubs and one Bulgarian club have also been penalised, making nine in all.
In many ways this is a victory for Uefa as they appear to have escaped any legal challenge, even possibly appeals to the Court for the Arbitration of Sport. However, a challenge could ultimately emerge from another route such as a player as happened in the Bosman case.