Manchester United’s recent FA Cup victory over Manchester City secured them a spot in next season’s Europa League, yet their participation in the tournament is now in jeopardy due to UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules. These regulations prohibit two teams owned by the same organization from competing in the same tournament.
Both Manchester United and Nice share ownership under INEOS, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s company holding a full stake in Nice and a partial stake in Manchester United. INEOS currently owns 27% of Manchester United and plans to increase its investment, potentially exceeding the 30% ownership limit set by UEFA.
Manchester United announced an agreement on Christmas Eve 2023 for Sir Jim Ratcliffe to acquire up to a 25% share of the club, which could breach UEFA regulations. Nice, another club owned by INEOS, secured a fifth-place finish in Ligue 1, earning them a spot in the Europa League.
If INEOS fails to resolve the ownership conflict, one of their clubs could 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.
Similar issues arise with Manchester City’s parent company, City Football Group, which holds a 47% ownership stake in Spanish club Girona. UEFA mandated that City Football Group reduce its stake in Girona to allow the Spanish side to compete in next season’s Champions League.
The UEFA Club Financial Control Body updated its multi-club ownership rules to prevent any “decisive influence” over multiple clubs participating in the same European tournament. Clubs with shared ownership stakes must navigate these regulations to secure their places in European competitions.
As of now, neither Manchester United nor Nice has made a formal disclosure regarding their next course of action in response to these ownership challenges.
