It’s far to simplistic to say rules are rules, City agreed to the t&c to enter UEFA’s competition, to not do so would seriously damage City commercially effectively they had no option, and they tried their level best to adhere. UEFA though, changed the criteria to catch City out despite this, and for the greater good City agreed a “pinch” UEFA and the old guard weren’t satisfied with this and have gone after City again. So now City are contesting the t&c has they every right to do so, like any contract it can be challenged even though initially accepted as they had to accept or as I said be damaged commercially