UEFA are expected to make a decision regarding the Champions League status of German club RB Leipzig after a rather unusual issue reared its head at the end of last season.
After finishing 2nd in the Bundesliga, in their first ever season in the top-flight of German football (and eight year of existence), the club were looking forward to continuing their upward trajectory, much to the disdain of every football fan in the country. By competing in the Champions League via their automatic place, they would be rubbing shoulders with Europe's elite, but the progress of their sister-club may put an end to that idea, at least for next season.
For those unaware, the RB in RB Leipzig stands for RasenBallsport Leipzig, which literally means Lawn Ball Sport Leipzig, a name that was made up so that it could be abbreviated to RB and thus associated to Red Bull as Germany prohibits football teams from being named after sponsors.
Over in Austria there is no such rule, and Red Bull Salzburg were crowned champions of the Austrian Bundesliga. Great for the company, right? Wrong. That title saw Salzburg earn a place in the 2nd qualifying round of the Champions League, and there's the problem.
UEFA prohibits clubs that are closely linked from competing in the same competition, and as both clubs are both owned by Red Bull, only one can stay. As the Austian side finished 1st in their league, they would rank higher and would maintain their status in the competition, which means Leipzig have to go, as explained by Sky Sports.
UEFA rules prohibit clubs with strong links to one another from playing in their competitions in the same season.
The UEFA administration, headed by UEFA general secretary Theodore Theodoridis, will make a final decision next month on whether the two clubs can play in next season's Champions League.
If they rule only one Red Bull club can play, Salzburg will get the nod because they finished higher in their league.
No Champions League football presents a big problem for RB Leipzig. Aside from being a nightmare as the club's biggest achievement from last season would essentially be taken away, it also weakens their position in terms of holding onto players.
With such an eye-catching season in the Bundesliga, clubs from all over Europe will be sniffing around their young talent who proved pivotal in the success. Emil Forsberg is one player who stood out, and is reportedly on his way to AC Milan, but another huge piece of the puzzle was all-action midfielder Naby Keita.
The Guinea midfielder was outstanding last season and ran the show from midfield on numerous occasions. Very few players got the best of him, as his athleticism, positioning, and nose for a goal made him a nightmare to deal with.
Liverpool have been linked to him for months now, as it's clear Jurgen Klopp identified him as someone who could made a massive difference in a position that Liverpool struggled in last season.
RB Leipzig were hoping to hold on to Keita, but without Champions League football, and crucially Liverpool's ability to offer that, means that if the German club are kicked out of the Champions League, it opens the door for what would be a seriously impressive signing.
Of course, as with Mohamed Salah, it's yet another player who would likely be unavailable when the African Cup of Nations rolls around, but it's hard to see him being anything other than a success in Jurgen Klopp's side.
The decision, when it arrives, could play a big role in Liverpool's pursuit of the player, as it makes their hand far, far stronger in the negotiations.
There is a possibility that Liverpool sign Keita even if Leipzig play Champions League football next season, but they'll be hoping for a firm 'no' from UEFA next month.
