Get the day's biggest City stories delivered straight to your inbox Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Dimitar Berbatov has delivered his verdict on Manchester City’s ban from European competitions by UEFA.

City have been banned from UEFA club competitions for the next two seasons and fined 30million euros (£24.9million) after being found to have committed "serious breaches" of financial regulations.

The reigning Premier League champions overstated sponsorship revenue in accounts submitted between 2012 and 2016, according to European football's governing body.

The decision of the Adjudicatory Chamber of the Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) is subject to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Speculation increased over the weekend that Pep Guardiola and many of his stars may walk away from the club if the case is proven, and although those claims appear to be wide of the mark, Berbatov is intrigued to see how things play out at the club.

“When the news came through on Friday evening about Manchester City's Champions League ban, I can imagine the red part of Manchester was popping off bottles of Champagne,” the former forward told Betfair.

“If they have broken the rules on Financial Fair Play, then they deserved to be punished. Being banned from the Champions League for two years is a massive punishment because we all know how bad City want to win that tournament and if they don't win it this year their hopes will be crushed.

“It's a big deal for the whole of Europe and UEFA are trying to show that people must stick to the rules. It doesn't matter who you are or how much money you have as a team, the rules are the rules.

“Overall, for English football it's not good for the reputation but it's something that the people in charge domestically should talk about more, it's a big decision to ban them for two years but if they have broken the rules then they deserve it.

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

“I read a lot of speculation about the future of Pep Guardiola and I don't think he should walk away from City, nor do I think he needs to. Who knows what will happen if they appeal, but if he is happy there, the people trust him, the team wants him, and the fans love him, why does he need to leave?

“As for the players at City, who are used to playing in the Champions League, to have it taken away from you because of the club's ban won't be a good feeling.

“Will they want to stay? Will they want to move so they can play in the competition? What do you do?

“It is a situation that the club need to handle. I have read that Raheem Sterling plans to stay which is a great way to start because you want your star player to stay.

“If they are to be banned it all comes down to personal ambition, what people want to achieve but it is different for everyone. The players aren't running the club, they are just playing football, so it is understandable if they feel some injustice.

“I'm sure some of the players will have questions and thoughts will pop into their head. I'm curious to see how they will react in this situation, because it is a difficult one.

“The game against Real Madrid is even more interesting, and I am looking forward to seeing how they react in this competition.

“This decision and uncertainty will no doubt be on their minds, even though they are hoping for their appeal to go through but walking onto the pitch I'm sure it will be forgotten because that is the time to focus on the opposition, playing the game and scoring goals, but in the days running up to that match it will be on their mind.

“They need to tell themselves to concentrate and forget about it, it won't be easy, it will depend on how strong they are mentally.

“On the other hand, they can also use this situation as motivation to go on and win the trophy. It is a big test but if they do go on to win it, the club can pick up the trophy and say to UEFA see you in two years.

“It's a possibly because they are a strong team and they have been gunning for it for a long time now.”