4 months ago
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Manchester City could reportedly see their stake in Girona reduced if both clubs are to reach the Champions League next season.
Both teams form part of holding company City Football Group [CFG], with Pep Guardiola's side their flagship club and the Spanish outfit joining the family in 2017.
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Girona have emerged as surprising LaLiga title contenders this season as they sit 2nd in the table and just two points behind Real Madrid.
They are therefore on course to qualify for the Champions League but with reigning champions City also expected to do so, UEFA rules could impact CFG's ownership model.
Regulations prevent more than one club from the same ownership model playing in the same competition and, as reported by The I, City's 47 per cent stake may have to be reduced if both qualify.
The report says if a conflict was to arise, CFG's two clubs could see restrictions on player trading and off-field collaborations that include scouting, recruitment and commercial agreements.
UEFA are said to be monitoring the situation and an assessment on the club's links will be made in the summer if they deem it a conflict.
Only one of the clubs will be able to play in the Champions League next season if no changes are made.
If City and Girona were to finish in the same position in the Premier League and LaLiga respectively, the former will qualify due to England being higher than Spain in UEFA's 'access list'.
UEFA allowed Red Bull Salzburg and RB Leipzig, who are both owned by Red Bull, to play in the Champions League in 2017 as they ruled 'no individual or legal entity had a decisive influence over more than one club.'
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City currently sit second in the Premier League and two points behind Liverpool with a game in hand, with both clubs firmly in this season's title race.
Guardiola's treble winners continue their Champions League title defence against FC Copenhagen in the last 16 next week.
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Girona, who finished 10th last season, are firmly in the LaLiga top four as 11 points separate them and 5th place Athletic Bilbao.
They have lost just once in the league all season, with Madrid the only side to beat them after 23 games played.
