News filtering the internet that Premier League Champions Manchester City will be banned from all European competitions for the next two years, and with Sheffield United chasing the dream of reaching a European spot in their first season as a Premier League club, this could be a reality of they finish high enough up the table.
ITV News reported that the Lancashire club have been punished for overspending in the last few years, and has resulted in the club being banned.
What does this mean for SUFC?
Nothing has yet been announced by the Premier League or Football Association but effectively City could finish second in the league and be dined a place in Europe’s elite club cup competition. This could mean that whichever team finishes fifth in the league could be handed that UEFA Champions League place. Therefore the opportunity to gain a place in the UEFA Europa League will also strengthen too!
Currently Sheffield United lay fifth in the Premier League table, just two points behind Chelsea in the fourth Champions League spot. However, due to the enforced winter break, United are without a match this weekend.
Qualifying for Europe is still a big task for United, and a seemingly the impossible dream. United have never qualified for Europe previously and would cap off what is already a memorable season for the Blades. The only time the club have competed on the International stage was during the 1994/95 season when they took part in the Anglo-Italian-Cup.
How 'leaked' emails, suggesting Abu Dhabi-owned Manchester City had not been truthful about their huge sponsorship by the state airline Etihad, led to the UEFA investigation and 2 year Champions League ban. Long(ish) read here. https://t.co/clqLiN8MDE
— David Conn (@david_conn) February 15, 2020
Let’s wait for appeal this week but it’s a harsh panishement to the club.