Girona faces a crucial wait for UEFA clearance to participate in next season’s Champions League after securing qualification for the first time in the club’s history, due to a potential conflict arising from partner club Manchester City also clinching a spot in the competition.
The LaLiga outfit’s historic qualification was confirmed with a thrilling 4-2 victory against Barcelona, securing their position in the league’s top four. However, being one of 13 teams under the umbrella of the City Football Group (CFG) has raised concerns regarding compliance with UEFA’s multi-club ownership regulations.
With CFG holding a 47% stake in Girona, and additional ownership ties through Marcelo Claure and Pere Guardiola, UEFA’s regulations stipulate that if multiple clubs within the same ownership group qualify for the same competition, precedence is given to the club achieving the higher domestic finish or possessing the superior club coefficient.
Manchester City’s imminent runner-up spot in the Premier League virtually secures their Champions League berth, superseding Girona‘s qualification, per UEFA guidelines. Despite this, Girona is not expected to be relegated to the Europa League to avoid scheduling conflicts with City.
To gain UEFA clearance, Girona must demonstrate its organizational independence from Manchester City during a UEFA Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) hearing. Similar cases involving clubs under shared ownership, such as RB Leipzig and FC Salzburg, have been resolved in previous seasons, albeit after scrutiny and review.
Moreover, UEFA’s acceptance of clubs with shared ownership concerns, including Aston Villa and Vitoria, among others, underscores a precedent for navigating such complexities.
In a parallel situation, Manchester United and Nice, both linked to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS Group, face potential CFCB hearings if they secure European qualification. While Nice currently occupies a Europa League spot in Ligue 1, Manchester United could clinch European football either through league performance or by winning the FA Cup.
As Girona awaits UEFA’s verdict, the club’s historic Champions League qualification is overshadowed by regulatory hurdles stemming from its association with Manchester City. Resolving these issues is crucial for Girona to embark on their European journey without impediment.
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