Even if Manchester City wins the Premier League, they could not qualify for the Champions League the following season.
The defending European champions, City, are the favourites to win it all again following their impressive 23/24 season debut.
Pep Guardiola’s team defeated Bournemouth 6-1 on Saturday, vaulting them back to the top of the Premier League.
Given that City is predicted to place in the top four, their owners, the City Football Group, may face a Champions League conundrum.
This is a result of Girona, a Spanish team that plays in La Liga and is owned by the City Football Group, having had an excellent start to the season.
Girona is two points clear of Real Madrid in second position in La Liga after racking up 31 points from their first 12 games.
The City Football Group may run into issues if Girona keeps up their excellent play. As of right now, UEFA regulations prohibit owners from fielding several clubs in the same European campaign.
The City Football Group could be able to escape the issue, though, if they sell Girona or reduce their ownership so they do not possess the majority of the shares.
Girona is currently allegedly owned by the City Football Group to the tune of 47%.
Similar issues plagued Manchester United, City’s local rivals, following rumours that INEOS CEO and British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe was considering purchasing the team.
But after hearing that Ratcliffe intends to purchase a minority position in the Old Trafford club, those worries have subsided.
Tuesday night, City will host BSC Young Boys, the Swiss champions, at the Etihad Stadium to resume their Champions League campaign.