UEFA confirm reduced FFP sanction for Blues

Club only need to name five homegrown players

City have been boosted by the news that they will only have to name five homegrown players in next season's Champions League squad, rather than the eight that many anticipated.

UEFA's general secretary Gianni Infantino confirmed the decision on Wednesday, following pressure from the players' union FIFPro.

"It came after a request from the players union FIFPro saying when you take these kind of sanctions and measures you cannot harm the players and the rights of a player who has a contract for the behaviour of the clubs.

"So we looked at it and it was felt appropriate there for the number to be proportionally reduced as well."

The decision could have an impact on City's summer transfer activity, with the likes of Micah Richards and Jack Rodwell possibly now being allowed to leave the club. The Blues would be able to fulfill the homegrown quote by selecting Joe Hart, Gael Clichy, James Milner, Dedryck Boyata and Richard Wright in their Champions League squad.