The reigning English champions were handed a two-year ban in February by Europe’s football governing body for breaking Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules and breaching UEFA’s club licensing regulations while also being fined £25m.
FFP was introduced by UEFA at the start of the 2011-12 season as an attempt to prevent clubs falling into serious financial difficulty by overspending.
All clubs competing in UEFA competitions are expected to operate within their means and meet break-even targets, while dealings have to be transparent.
Man City indicated their willingness of appealing the ban shortly after the verdict was passed by UEFA and followed up on their word just two weeks later.
The onset of the Coronavirus pandemic made it difficult for the case to be heard earlier but the new date provided by CAS will ensure that Manchester City will know their stand before the Premier League resumes from its enforced break.
UEFA’s decision to ban Man City has raised questions about the long-term future of manager Pep Guardiola, whose current contract expires in the summer of 2021, and key players like Kevin de Bruyne.
Should they fail with their appeal to have the ban overturned, Man City, who are currently second in the Premier League, will have their place in Europe taken by the fifth placed side in the Premier League.
Man City held a 1-0 advantage over Real Madrid in the first leg of this season’s Champions League round of 16 before the competition was suspended indefinitely because of the Coronavirus pandemic.
