Manchester City back in Champions league as European ban overturned on appeal
Copyright Lee Smith/AP A ban stopping Manchester City playing in European competitions for the next two seasons has been overturned. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) delivered its verdict after hearing the club's appeal against the UEFA sanctions, issued in February for "serious breaches" of Financial Fair Play rules. CAS announced City were cleared of "disguising equity funds as sponsorship contributions". The club's fine for failing to cooperate with independent investigators has been slashed from €30 million to €10 million. Pep Guardiola's side secured second place in the Premier League after a 5-0 drubbing of Brighton and Hove Albion. Therefore the blue half of Manchester will play in next season's Champions League. City said in a statement on its website that "while its legal advisors are yet to review the full ruling" the club "welcomes the implications of today’s ruling as a validation of the Club’s position and the