Former Republic of Ireland defender Damien Delaney believes Manchester City need to serve a ban from playing in the Champions League.

The Premier League champions are expected to appeal against a two-season suspension handed down by UEFA for breaches of their financial regulations.

Delaney says it'll have big implications for Pep Guardiola's side:

"It's a huge, huge story, I never thought something like this would actually happen," the former Crystal Palace defender told OTB Football Saturday.

"The size of the penalty as well, to reduce a two-year ban to one year and a 30 million Euro fine is what will probably happen.

"It's colossal, and to be honest with you, it's cheating. Not the players or the manager but at boardroom and executive-level it's a form of cheating and we've seen it with Saracens in the rugby as well.

"I'm delighted it has happened and I hope they don't (UEFA) backtrack on it or water it down to a suspended (ban) or a pending future behaviour type of thing. I really hope they miss out on a year of the Champions League, minimum.

"Manchester City are the nouveau riche of the footballing world, I would be surprised if something like this had happened to one of the old guard, an AC Milan or Juventus.

"If they're going to make an example of someone then they'll do it to one of the nouveau riche. I think they have to clamp down on it [financial fair play breaches], and I hope they follow through with it as well.

Asked whether the ban could spell the end of Pep Guardiola at City, Delaney said he would be shocked otherwise.

"Without a doubt, I can't imagine him just slogging it out for just the Premier League title, his aim is the Champions League, that's what he wants most.

"He needs to win a Champions League without Lionel Messi and he won't be hanging around for a year without the Champions League with Man City."