UEFA convicted Qatari-owned English champion of violating Fair Play financial rules • Penalty goes into effect next season

• Manchester City players // Photo: IP

Just before the Champions League eighth came back, Manchester City suffered a two-year suspension in the form of a two-year suspension from the Champions League or any other UEFA European enterprise.

The penalty came after the club licensing committee, which examines whether they comply with the Fair Play financial rules, ruled that the English champion had passed the rules from 2012-2016. According to the commission, Manchester City provided incorrect data on the budget, money it receives from sponsors and other offenses. Apart from the suspension - the club was also fined € 30 million.

Importantly, this is not the final sentence and it is likely that the Qatar-owned English club will appeal to the top judicial body in European sport, the CAS.

The decision has no bearing on Manchester City's participation in the Champions League this season. She will contend in the eighth final as scheduled against Real Madrid.

However, if the CAS does not accept the appeal and the penalty is met, it could lead to the departure of Manager Pep Guardiola, as well as quite a few of the club's top players.