(Reuters) - UEFA said any potential Champions League ban for RasenBallsport Leipzig or Red Bull Salzburg for having the same owner is "hypothetical" until the qualifying places have been decided at the end of the season. A total of 22 teams automatically entered the 2016-17 UEFA Champions League group stage with the remaining slots taken by the 10 sides who come through qualifying. Article 5 of UEFA's European Competitions Regulations states "no club participating in a UEFA club competition may, either directly or indirectly hold or deal in the securities or shares of any other club participating in a UEFA club competition". A spokesman for Red Bull Salzburg said: "Even UEFA said that any resumption regarding this topic is only speculation - nothing more. And FC Red Bull Salzburg are not willing to take part in any kind of speculation."

Source: The Star February 22, 2017 16:28 UTC