Man City Set for Champions League After Girona Directors Resign
Manchester City is poised to secure clearance to compete in the UEFA Champions League this season following the resignation of three directors from their sister club Girona.
Girona has confirmed the departure of three directors, paving the way for both clubs to participate in the Champions League for the 2024/25 season. This move comes as UEFA intensifies scrutiny on multi-club ownership groups, particularly focusing on the City Football Group (CFG) after Girona’s unexpected qualification.
The Catalan club, chaired by Pep Guardiola’s brother Pere, announced on Monday that three directors with CFG ties have stepped down. This development is anticipated to appease UEFA, allowing Manchester City and Girona to compete in Europe without concerns over conflicts of interest.
At an Extraordinary Shareholders Meeting, Girona approved the appointment of three new directors, replacing John MacBeath, Simon Cliff, and Ingo Bank. MacBeath, a former interim CEO of City, serves on both the CFG and City boards. Cliff is General Counsel for CFG and was instrumental in the Abu Dhabi United Group’s purchase of City in 2008. Bank holds a senior financial position at CFG.
The new appointees, Matthew Shayle, Edward Hall, and Paul Hunston, are solicitors from Cheltenham-based law firm Wiggin Osborne Fullerlove. Additionally, The Times reports that CFG will reduce their 47% shareholding in Girona to 30%, with the remaining shares placed in a blind trust to ensure independent operation.
Looking ahead, City and Girona might face off in the revamped Champions League format next season, where each club will play eight games against different opponents in the group stage.
