Man City ‘could be forced to SELL their stake in sister club Girona’ if the LaLiga side qualify for the Champions League… and ‘only one club may be granted entry if issue isn’t resolved’

Manchester City may be forced to sell their stake in Spanish side Girona if both clubs qualify for the Champions League next season. 

The Catalan outfit have been a revelation and sit second in LaLiga, just two points off top spot and 11 ahead of fifth-placed Athletic Bilbao. 

Girona, who joined City Football Group in 2017 upon a purchase of a 44 per cent stake in the club, were only promoted to the top-flight 18 months ago and finished mid-table last season. 

However, without documentation that details – among other things – the separation of governance, financing and personnel of the entities, UEFA rules prohibit ownership of more than one football club that play in the same competition. 

As a result, according to The i, City could be forced to reduce or even outright sell their ownership stake in Girona, which has since risen to 47 per cent. 

Pep Guardiola’s side moved to within two points of leaders Liverpool with a game in hand following their 3-1 win over Brentford on Monday night

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Should the changes not be agreed, only the highest placed team in their respective league will be allowed to play in the Champions League next season. If both clubs finish in the same position then the team playing in the country in UEFA’s ‘access list’ qualifies. In this scenario Pep Guardiola‘s side would gain entry. 

The CFG clubs could also face restrictions on trading players and collaboration off the field, including scouting networks, recruitments and commercial arrangements. 

The report claims that Europe’s top governing body is monitoring the situation and its Club Financial Control Body will most likely assess the links in June, if a conflict is confirmed. 

City’s relationship with the other 12 clubs under the CFG umbrella has been brought into sharp focus as they close in on signing the 19-year-old winger Savio, who has lit up LaLiga with Girona as they battle Real Madrid for the title. 

Brazilian winger Savio has lit up La Liga while at Girona as they battle Real Madrid for the title

The Brazilian is on loan from Troyes in France – another CFG club. Talks between City and Troyes are advanced, with Txiki Begiristain attending a recent Girona game to check on the youngster’s progress.

Details surrounding the finances involved in the deal have yet to be disclosed and it’s likely that the multi-club transfer will be the talk of rival boardrooms in the Premier League.

Savio’s breakout season has seen him get five goals and seven assists in the league so far.