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Could Manchester United really receive a Champions League reprieve? Hannah Duncan explains why such a move would be completely wrong.


Cards on the table, as an ardent Chelsea fan I found it rather amusing when Manchester United were knocked out of the Champions League group stages by FC Basel two weeks ago.

I watched the game, fully expecting a typical display where Sir Alex Ferguson's side get the result they need with relative ease, casting disappointment across England (except those lovely folk in Torquay, Buckinghamshire and other areas where United are popular). But on this occasion, there was no gallant performance or lucky 98th minute equaliser and the English champions crashed out at the group stages for just the third time in 17 years.

But news broke earlier this week which could see Manchester United snatch a winner way beyond even the seemingly interminable 'Fergie-time'. Swiss side FC Sion, who currently sit third in the Swiss Super League, were ejected from the tournament after fielding ineligible players in their qualifier against Celtic, which allowed the Bhoys into the group stages despite their 3-1 aggregate defeat. Since then, the Swiss FA have failed to punish FC Sion - 6.2 to be Swiss champions - beyond the reprimands handed out by Uefa. They have been given until January 13 to act, after which time FIFA are threatening to suspend Switzerland, their club sides and officials from international competition - including booting the innocent FC Basel out of the Champions League.

If this were to happen, Manchester United could be granted a reprieve and go on to face Bayern Munich in the last 16. Alternatively, 2010 runners-up Bayern, who are third favourites at 6.6 on Betfair to win the tournament, could be given a bye into the quarter-finals. Neither courses of action are right.

FC Sion were correctly punished by UEFA for their actions, but surely it remains up to the individual Football Association to decide if any further disciplinary action is to be taken. If UEFA or FIFA feel otherwise and wish to flex their egos - sorry, muscles - they must wait until next season to do so. Innocent bystanders Basel shouldn't be punished for the actions of other clubs or the inactions of the Swiss FA. Common sense should apply - but then this is FIFA we're talking about...

The same FIFA who awarded Qatar the 2022 World Cup, to the bemusement of the entire football world (but not necessarily the FIFA's bank managers); the same FIFA who still stick their heads in the sand when it comes to goal-line technology; and the same FIFA who are headed by a man who thinks racism can be solved by a handshake.

If nothing else, the removal of FC Basel would make a mockery of the Champions League and have knock-on effects in the already mock-able Europa League. If Manchester United were to be reinstated into European club football's biggest competition, UEFA would either have to award Ajax a bye into the last 16 of the Europa League or get into a muddle (lasting into next season knowing UEFA) working out who to bring back. United are 7.8 to lift the trophy, second favourites behind neighbours Manchester City 5.6, but it's anyone's guess who could be in what competition after FIFA have had their say.


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