Manchester City appeal start against Champions League

Manchester City are set for a showdown against UEFA, as the club are set to have their appeal heard at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). City had a two-year ban from the Champions League upheld by UEFA over ‘serious breaches’ of Financial Fair Play regulations (FFP).

The ban would mean that City would miss out on more than £200m in revenue. The club’s hierarchy would also face a significant task in convincing the majority of the most expensive squad in the English Premier League to remain in Manchester.

City have maintained their innocence since allegations first emerged in German magazine Der Spiegel and will have the chance to plead their case in front of a three-man judging panel via video conference. The deliberations are expected to take three days, with the outcome having massive implications for UFEA and Manchester City.

If the ban is upheld, City could be forced to say goodbye to a number of players including Raheem Sterling, Kevin De Bruyne and possibly coach Pep Guardiola.