Manchester City break silence amid Champions League ban claims over alleged financial breaches

Manchester City could be banned from Champions League, as English club is accused of breaking European Football Association’s financial rules and regulations. English football authorities demand a one-year-ban for Premier League champions. The final decision will be made by Yves Leterme, former prime minister of Belgium, currently leading investigatory panel. The Blues have hit back at reports. The statement read: "Manchester City is fully cooperating in good faith with the CFCB IC's [Club Financial Control Body investigatory committee] ongoing investigation. In doing so the club is reliant on both the CFCB IC's independence and commitment to due process, and on UEFA's commitment of the 7 of March THAT it '….will make no further comment on the matter while the investigation is ongoing'. The New York Times report citing 'people familiar with the case' is therefore extremely concerning. "The implications are that either Manchester City's good faith in the CFCB IC is misplaced or the CFCB IC process is being misrepresented by individuals intent on damaging the Club's reputation and its commercial interests. Or both. Manchester City's published accounts are full and complete and a matter of legal and regulatory record. The accusation of financial irregularities are entirely false, and comprehensive proof of this fact has been provided to the CFCB IC."

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