This archive report was first published on 5 July 2020.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is facing a critical appeal against a two-year UEFA ban from European football. The ban, which was handed down in February, would cost the club as much as 100 million pounds ($127 million) in prize money and broadcast revenue, as well as matchday and other revenues.
Guardiola expressed confidence in the club's appeal, stating, "We are ready, I have a lot of confidence and trust with the people that we will be allowed to play the Champions League because we want to be on the field during these years."
He added, "On 13 July we will know the resolution, hopefully, for the club - all the workers, players and everyone here, staff - to try to continue growing up as a club in the next years."
UEFA ruled that City had committed serious breaches of Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations and failed to cooperate with its investigation, handing them a ban and a 30 million euro (24.9 million pounds) fine.
City's appeal against the ban was heard last month at the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) and a decision is expected by July 13.
UEFA opened an investigation into City last March after the publication of ‘Football Leaks’ documents led to allegations that the club’s Abu Dhabi owners had inflated sponsorship agreements to comply with the FFP requirements.
