Europe ban could cost City £300m says expert

FOOTBALL finance expert Kieran Maguire has painted a bleak picture of what the future could hold for City if their Champions League ban is upheld by the Court of Arbitration of Sport.

UEFA have banned the Blues for two seasons and now the club will appeal the decision, which may have a huge impact on the future of Pep Guardiola.

Clubs earn fortunes from playing in the lucrative Champions League, not just from winning matches but also through sponsorship and ticket sales.

But Maguire has been speaking about the financial health of City amid the potential that they could lose a significant income stream.

Maguire explained the longterm implications.

“I’m not overly surprised (they will appeal) because Man City did appear to be reacting aggressively to the leaks,” Maguire told Sky Sports.

“Man City will take a very aggressive response and appeal the decision.

“Looking at the commentary from UEFA, it appears to claim that they were overstating their income.

“What has happened is their commercial income has almost trebled.

“Man City will leave no stone unturned to reclaim their innocence.

“I have seen their lawyers before and I’d expect them to be reassigned.

“UEFA income is critical and it can be worth up to £100m a year. Home fixtures in the Champions League can be worth another £30m or £40m.

“In terms of Man City satisfying future Financial Fair Play rules, it will be harder considering they could lose around £150m a year.”