City describe UEFA decision as 'prejudicial' & will appeal against 2-year ban

Man City banned from Champions League for two years. The club say they are "disappointed but not surprised" by the decision and described it as "prejudicial".

Manchester City responded with a statement on their official website, expressing their disappointment with the decision.

But the English side are not surprised by the suspension and says UEFA had made the decision even before the investigation had started.

"Manchester City is disappointed but not surprised by today’s announcement by the UEFA Adjudicatory Chamber," the statement said. "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.

"In December 2018, the UEFA Chief Investigator publicly previewed the outcome and sanction he intended to be delivered to Manchester City, before any investigation had even begun. The subsequent flawed and consistently leaked UEFA process he oversaw has meant that there was little doubt in the result that he would deliver.  The Club has formally complained to the UEFA Disciplinary body, a complaint which was validated by a CAS ruling.  

"Simply put, this is a case initiated by UEFA, prosecuted by UEFA and judged by UEFA. With this prejudicial process now over, the Club will pursue an impartial judgment as quickly as possible and will therefore, in the first instance, commence proceedings with the Court of Arbitration for Sport at the earliest opportunity."