Swiss ban hope for Man United

MANCHESTER United could be allowed back into the Champions League if Switzerland fails to enforce a transfer ban on FC Sion by 13 January.

The Swiss club were put under a transfer embargo over the signing of Egyptian goalkeeper Essam El Hadary, but proceeded to sign six players in the summer. Sion then fielded five of the six during the Europa League play-off tie against Celtic earlier this year and were kicked out of the competition as a result, with UEFA’s decision to expel them upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Football’s world governing body, FIFA, has now ordered the Swiss Football Association to sanction Sion or risk Switzerland being excluded from all football.

If that happened Swiss side FC Basel would not be allowed to take part in the Champions League and Manchester United, who suffered a humiliating drop into the Europa League when they lost 2-1 away to Basel after drawing 3-3 with the Swiss side at Old Trafford, could be reinstated.

However, UEFA said it was confident the Swiss Football Association would comply with the FIFA request before the 13 January deadline.

“Should this not be the case UEFA will review the situation nearer the time,” UEFA added.