Manchester City think Arsenal are behind the move to have their Champions League ban upheld if the coronavirus pandemic prevents an appeal, according to reports.
Pep Guardiola's side have been given a two-year ban from European football, after UEFA charged the club for breaches of financial fair play rules.
City have already pleaded their innocence and submitted an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
But with the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak likely to delay the case further, there is a real possibility that City could compete in next season's Champions League if their punishment is deferred while CAS handle their appeal.
Arsenal are thought to be among a group of eight clubs who have reportedly written to CAS to stop City playing in next season's Champions League, along with the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham.
And according to The Mirror, City chiefs now believe the move was solely instigated by the Gunners.
The report claims Arsenal have refused to comment on the accusations but Mikel Arteta's side are ready to speak to the reigning champions to tell them that their information is false.
Should City's ban stand, UEFA's admission criteria means that finishing in fifth place in the Premier League this season would mean qualification for the Champions League.
This would directly benefit Arsenal, with the Gunners currently ninth in the table - five points behind fifth placed Manchester United with a game in hand.
