Manchester City have hit back at reports they could be hit with a one-season Champions League ban over alleged financial fair play breaches.
The Citizens have been investigated by a regulatory committee over a series of leaks into their financial conduct, which has been published by German outlet Der Spiegel.
Manchester City are set to find out this week the results of a UEFA financial control board meeting, which took place in Switzerland two weeks ago.
The New York Times is reporting that financial regulators are set to recommend that Manchester City are banned from the Champions League for a season.
Manchester City have rebuked these claims in a statement, noting that the club has provided “comprehensive proof” that no financial wrongdoing has occurred.
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.”