Could a possible FIFA ban allow Manchester United back into the Champions League?

Manchester United could be spectacularly reinstated into the Champions League - to face Bayern Munich, no less - if FIFA make good on a threat to ban Switzerland from world football.

The world football body has threatened to suspend Switzerland from any European football if the country's national association does not punish FC Sion by January 13.

Sion had previously launched numerous legal bids after being prevented from advancing to the Europa League group stages after fielding six players signed during a transfer embargo.

The club, whose civil courts actions failed before they were ultimately replaced in the tournament by Celtic, have yet to receive any official punishment from Swiss FA for their actions.

If the football association does not comply with FIFA's threat in the next four weeks, FC Basel will be expelled from the Champions League and replaced by Manchester United, despite beating the Red Devils 2-1 to advance to the tournament's round of 16 fixtures.

FIFA are clearly irate at the actions of Sion and have stated that the club acted in a "legally abusive manner". So while Manchester United fans should be hopeful of a return to the top flight of European football, a return to the Champions League would mean taking Basel's incredibly tough next fixture - a clash against German giants and outside favourites Bayern Munich.