Manchester City Issued 2-Year Ban From Champions League for Breaching UEFA Financial Regulations

A bombshell report concerning the two-time defending Premier League champions surfaced Friday afternoon.

After years of dodging punishment, UEFA has finally managed to place sanctions upon Manchester City.

According to Rob Harris of the Associated Press, UEFA has issued a two-year ban from the Champions League against City, in addition to a $33 million fine, for "serious breaches" of financial protocol.

The ban will come into effect at the start of the 2020 season, meaning that Man City will remain in this season's competition, where they are scheduled to face Real Madrid in the Round of 16 later this month.

Shortly after being informed of the news, Man City released an official club statement on the team's website, stating it is "disappointed but not surprised by today’s announcement by the UEFA Adjudicatory Chamber. The Club has always anticipated the ultimate need to seek out an independent body and process to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence in support of its position."

The Premier League giants have the right to appeal UEFA's settlement to the Court of Arbitration of Sport.

Expectations for the Citizens in this year's Champions League just rose exponentially considering it will be the club's last chance to hoist the trophy for at least the next two seasons.