Manchester United’s recent FA Cup triumph over Manchester City at Wembley has secured them a spot in next season’s Europa League.
However, their participation in the tournament hangs in the balance due to UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules.
The rules stipulate that two teams owned by the same organization cannot compete in the same tournament.
This presents a dilemma for United, as both they and French club Nice are owned by INEOS, a company chaired by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
INEOS currently holds a 27 per cent stake in Manchester United and is the sole owner of Nice.
However, plans to increase their investment in United by £245 million could push their ownership above 30 per cent, violating UEFA regulations.
Manchester United’s announcement of INEOS Chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s acquisition of up to a 25% share of the club on Christmas Eve 2023 exacerbates the situation.
Nice secured a fifth-place finish in Ligue 1, earning them a Europa League spot. If INEOS fails to resolve the ownership conflict, one of its clubs may be relegated to the UEFA Conference League.
Given Nice’s higher league finish, they would likely retain their Europa League spot, relegating Manchester United instead.
Manchester City, also facing a similar ownership conflict, must navigate UEFA’s regulations.
City Football Group, which owns Manchester City, holds a 47 per cent stake in Spanish club Girona.
UEFA has mandated City Football Group to reduce its stake in Girona to allow the Spanish side to compete in next season’s Champions League.
The UEFA Club Financial Control Body recently updated its multi-club ownership rules to prevent any form of “decisive influence” over multiple clubs participating in the same European tournament.
As Manchester United and Manchester City’s parent company navigate these regulations, neither club has made a formal disclosure regarding their next course of action.
Nigerianewstoday.com will continue to monitor developments as the situation unfolds.
