Manchester City have hit back over an apparent Uefa leak concerning their investigation for alleged financial fair play breaches.
Man City 'could face Champions League ban' in the New York Times claims that investigators looking into possible financial irregularities are pressing for the club to be banned from the Champions League .
The newspaper cites a source which it claims is close to the investigation - which arose from the Football Leaks allegations last year - but emphasises that no final decision has been taken.
But City have reacted strongly to the notion that someone said to be close to the investigation, which is being conducted by the investigatory committee (IC) of the Club Financial Control Body (CFCB), is briefing media contacts.
And they also say they have already provided "comprehensive proof" that claims of financial wrongdoing are completely false.
It is thought that City would fight any ban, taking the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport – and any leak from within Uefa during the process, as this appears to be, would strengthen their case.
In a statement released today, City said: “Manchester City FC is fully cooperating in good faith with the CFCB IC’s 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.
Man City 'could face Champions League ban'
“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.”
The original New York Times article which said the information had come from a source familiar with the case, appears to have been edited, and now carries no reference to any source.
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