Manchester City chief executive Garry Cook admits qualification for the Champions League is all about prestige - and not the competition's financial riches.

While Liverpool's £30m Champions' League income is vital to cover their American owners' annual debt repayments, Cook said City will be able to budget for seasons in which they do not make it to the tournament.

He told the Independent on Sunday: "But what I don't want anybody to think is that we don't worry whether we are in it or not because we don't need the money. I'm building a financial plan that includes playing in the Champions' League. I also have a scenario B, in the event we don't make it - because that's good business."