City Football Group will have two clubs in next season’s Champions League as Girona secured their place in the competition with four La Liga games left. Despite being part of City Football Group, Girona faced uncertainty earlier in the season regarding their participation in Europe. They celebrated their Champions League qualification for the first time after beating Barcelona and securing a top-four finish in the league.
UEFA regulations state that no club participating in a UEFA competition can have any direct or indirect involvement in the management of another club in the same competition. This rule applies to ownership, control, and influence over multiple clubs in European competition. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in only one of the clubs with shared ownership making it to the Champions League. However, clubs like Brighton and Aston Villa were allowed to compete in Europe after implementing significant changes to meet UEFA’s requirements.
Manchester City and Girona are not the only clubs facing uncertainties due to shared ownership. Manchester United and Ligue 1 club OGC Nice, partially owned by a United part-owner, could also encounter similar issues. UEFA stipulates that ownership structures need to change to ensure compliance with rules around influencing multiple clubs. However, UEFA acknowledges that multi-club models can benefit smaller clubs and require adjustments to meet the regulations.
Wrexham AFC, owned by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, has experienced rapid growth and success recently due to consecutive promotions. With widespread global support, the club has attracted significant attention, including a documentary series on Disney+. Fans can subscribe to ‘Wrexham is the Game’ for exclusive content, analysis, and insights to stay informed about the club’s progress. The subscription offers a source of information, free of ads, providing a comprehensive view of Wrexham’s journey.
City Football Group’s potential participation in the Champions League in the next season will see both Manchester City and Girona competing in Europe’s top competition. The regulations set by UEFA dictate strict guidelines to prevent clubs with shared ownership from having excessive control or influence over multiple clubs. Compliance with these rules is crucial for clubs to ensure eligibility for UEFA competitions and maintain fair competition across European football.
The overlapping ownership of clubs like Manchester City, Girona, Manchester United, and OGC Nice highlights the complexities and challenges faced in modern football governance. Lifting the veil on shared ownership and ensuring transparency in club ownership structures are key to upholding the integrity of the sport. As clubs navigate these regulations and make necessary adjustments, fans eagerly anticipate seeing their teams compete in the prestigious Champions League while adhering to UEFA’s guidelines.
