Manchester City allegedly feel that a number of their rivals called on UEFA to hand the club a significant ban from European competition.
On Friday evening, the governing body announced that City had been found guilty of a serious breach of financial regulations, resulting in a two-year omission from the Champions League.
Seemingly in anticipation of the punishment, City swiftly reacted by indicating a desire to appeal, which is expected to be carried out in the coming months.
According to The Athletic, the Premier League champions feel that several rival clubs - both domestically and on the continent - called on UEFA to act should there be an indication that City had overstated sponsorship income in past years.
Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and at least one English team are said to have encouraged action against the North-West side.
