sport news The problem with multi-club ownership and how it could restrict Manchester City ... trends now
Over the last decade, the market for owning or investing in a football club has surged, with many A-list actors, elite retired athletes and wealthy business men all getting in on the action.
However for some, owning one football club is frankly not enough - roll in multi-club ownership groups.
Multi-club ownership groups have become a frequent sight in the football world, with over 180 clubs worldwide being a part of the model according to UEFA research.
Manchester City lead the way when it comes to multi-club owned teams, as they have a worldwide group of 13 partners, Red Bull follow suit with the possession of five teams in Europe and America. While Manchester United are the latest club to be affiliated with another club after Sir Jim Ratcliffe took over the Red Devils.
Here is everything you need to know about multi-club ownership and how it may impact your favourite football team such as Manchester City or United from playing European football.
Spanish side Giro have qualified for the Champions League for the first time ever in the club's history
They may not be eligible to play however as their partner club Manchester City is also on course to qualify for the competiton
Under UEFA regulations, it is stated that two teams controlled by the same group is not permitted to play in the Champions League
Following the news that Spanish side Girona will play in the Champions League next season, questions have started to rise on whether or not the Spanish side will be able to play in next year's competition.
Why? because they are a part of the City football group and UEFA states that 'No club participating in a UEFA club competition may, either directly or indirectly hold or deal in the securities or shares of any other club participating in a UEFA club competition'.
Girona's affiliation with the City football Group may jeopardise their European involvement as Manchester City are also on course to qualify for the competition.
In terms of the rules surrounding this topic UEFA state as stipulated in Article 5 of the UEFA's Champions League regulations that...
'No club participating in a UEFA club competition may, either directly or indirectly hold or deal in the securities or shares of any other club participating in a UEFA club competition, be a member of any other club participating in a UEFA club competition, be involved in any capacity whatsoever in the management, administration and/or sporting performance of any other club participating in a UEFA club competition, or have any power whatsoever in the management, administration and/or sporting performance of any other club participating in a UEFA club competition.'
The article goes on to further highlight how the regulations says that "No one may simultaneously be involved, either directly or indirectly, in any capacity whatsoever in the management, administration and/or sporting performance of more than one club participating in a UEFA club competition.'
Before continuing to say 'No individual or legal entity may have control or influence over more than one club participating in a UEFA club competition, such control or influence being
