In the world of football, every season has its story and legend. This season, Girona and Manchester City, two teams under the City Football Group, are writing their own legends. Imagine both teams sitting second in their respective leagues with 56 points, a rarity in the history of football. This is not only a coincidence of achievements, but also a meeting of two cities, two cultures, and the embodiment of a global football philosophy.
But behind this, there is a big problem that could affect the fate of both teams. UEFA rules make it clear that if two teams belong to the same owner, only the higher-ranked team will qualify for the Champions League. This seems to be fair, but in practice, it is full of challenges and controversies.
Think about what it would be like if neither Girona nor Manchester City could end up championing their respective leagues, but were ranked enough to qualify them for the Champions League? On the one hand, we can see the positive role of multi-club groups in global football, promoting the development of football through resource sharing and exchange of ideas. On the other hand, this model can also create a conflict of interest, depriving some teams of the opportunity to compete fairly due to the rules.
Former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness has a quote that makes one think, and he is not against the existence of a multi-club group, but emphasises the importance of rules. If Girona do win La Liga, then Manchester City may not be able to participate in the Champions League. It's a shame to see how every team wants to show their quality on the highest stage in Europe.
From a global perspective, teams from different regions joining the same group does bring new perspectives and competition to the world of football. The example of the Red Bull Group is there, and they have effectively circumvented this problem by having multiple teams participating in different leagues. But the situation of City Football Group is different, and they are faced with how to maintain the competitiveness and independence of the teams while following the rules.
Now, as the season progresses, the performances of Girona and Manchester City will have a direct impact on their Champions League dreams. UEFA's attitude and decision-making will also be key to the development of multi-club groups in the future. Whatever the outcome, this is a profound reflection on the globalisation of football and the way clubs operate.
In all this, we, as ordinary fans, are both observers and participants. We pay attention to the outcome of the game, and we are more concerned about the inheritance and development of the football spirit. The story of Girona and Manchester City is not just the story of the City Football Group, it is part of the global football family. Let's look forward and see what an exciting ending this season will bring.