Manchester City 'are shocked that table-toppers Liverpool have joined the group of Premier League clubs trying to stop them playing in the Champions League' as they appeal their FFP ban

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Manchester City have been left shocked by Liverpool's involvement in a group of clubs trying to stop a stay of their Champions League ban as they appeal, according to reports. 

City have been handed a two-year ban from European competition after breaching Financial Fair Play rules and have launched an appeal against the decision from UEFA in the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Sportsmail reported on Tuesday that the entire Premier League top 10 – aside from City and Sheffield United – have lodged a joint application with CAS to stop City from attempting to play Champions League football in that time.

Manchester City were handed a two-year Champions League ban by UEFA recently

Liverpool, owned by John Henry, have been fierce rivals to Man City in the past few years

The application states that should City request that their punishment is ‘stayed’ while their appeal is ongoing, all the clubs strongly object. 

It is understood, however, that such a request has not been lodged by the Premier League champions. 

And the Express are now reporting that City are surprised the league leaders are part of that group. 

City expected that teams below them in the Premier League would want clarity on the situation, yet did not think a team above them would be involved.

They have launched an appeal against the decision in the Court of Arbitration for Sport

There is now a chance City's appeal against the ban will not be heard before the start of next season's competition.

A source told Sportsmail on Tuesday that there was a level of 'outrage' among the group at how City had behaved.

‘The feeling is that enough is enough,’ said the source. ‘For too long, City have been able to get away with breaching the rules at the expense of at least one other club that has been unable to get into the Champions League.

‘The fear is that they will be able to delay any punishment and — should they win the appeal — get off scot-free, which would be outrageous.’

Pep Guardiola and his players will not be able to pay in the competition for two years