MANCHESTER CITY will go head to head with Uefa today — to avoid a black hole of up to £200million.
They have hired a team of top lawyers to appeal their two-year ban from Europe and £25m fine for financial wrongdoing.
City have been warned it may be July before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) delivers its verdict, which could also impact the future of stars such as Kevin De Bruyne.
Their battle with the European governing body will take place via video conference due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Swiss-based CAS have set aside three days to hear the case.
City are believed to have earned around £80m from reaching the last eight of the Champions League last season.
Gate receipts and other commercial opportunities come on top of that — meaning the club would face a huge dip in revenue if the ban is upheld.
BACKDROP TO APPEAL
MANCHESTER CITY’S appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport against their two-year European ban begins in Switzerland today.
What did City do wrong?
Uefa investigated allegations they had breached Financial Fair Play regulations by disguising funding by their owners as sponsorship income.
What did City say?
They accused Uefa chief investigator Yves Leterme of conducting a “flawed process”.
Who are CAS?
The ultimate sporting tribunal with the power to amend the punishment.
The Court is expected to return its verdict in July.
Will that be the end of it?
If they lose, City could further appeal to the Swiss Federal Court, which can order a suspension of the ban pending its hearing date.
So the club could still play in next year’s Champions League.
