Girona’s incredible season in LaLiga is causing a few problems for their owners.
In just their second season back in Spain’s top division, they have managed to secure a top four finish and, thus, qualify for the Champions League for the first time in the club’s history.
Girona has been one of the season’s biggest stories, fighting for the championship until a run of poor performances dropped them behind Real Madrid and Barcelona. However, their owners, the City Football Group, have had some difficulties as a result of their success.
Naturally, City Football Group is Man City’s owner, and UEFA regulations prohibit two teams with the same ownership from competing in the same league.
The Abu Dhabi-based company owns shares in 13 clubs, including 47% of Girona. Pere Guardiola, Pep Guardiola’s brother, is also a shareholder in the team.
Options for divesting have been made available to City Football Group so that both teams can participate in the Champions League the following year.
One of the teams—likely Girona—could be demoted to the Europa League if they don’t cooperate.
One potential solution to the issue is for City Football Group to sell a portion of their ownership to an impartial third party, bringing their total down to 30%.
The UEFA regulations are in place to prevent player collusion.
Their estimated deadline for submitting a proposal is June 3.
The City Football Group’s relationship with Girona is rumoured to have been investigated by UEFA for their transfer activity this season.
Clubs that share ownership and have ‘transferred, permanently or temporarily, three or more players with the other club, directly or indirectly via associated parties, throughout the season’ are included by the criterion.
