Manchester United co-owners INEOS have disclosed that they are in discussions with UEFA about their planned participation in next season’s Europa League. This participation is in doubt because of their connections with French club Nice.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS owns a 27.7% stake in United and manages the club’s football operations. They also took over French club Nice in 2019.
UEFA rules limit the influence any organization can have over multiple clubs in the same competition.
An independent panel will decide on the issue before the qualifying rounds begin in mid-July.
Since United finished lower in their domestic league, they risk being demoted to the Conference League instead. However, INEOS insists they are confident a solution can be found to allow both of their teams to compete in the Europa League.
A statement from INEOS read: “We are aware of the position of the two clubs and we are in direct dialogue with UEFA. We are convinced that we have a solution for next season in Europe.”
United are expected to be granted a reprieve as INEOS’ stake in the club is under 30%, which complies with UEFA regulations. Nice were first acquired by Ratcliffe in 2019 for a reported €100 million, while his partial purchase of United was finalized earlier in 2024.
Meanwhile, across Manchester, City Football Group’s 47% stake in La Liga side Girona could potentially result in the Spanish team being excluded from the Champions League. However, it is also anticipated that an agreement will be reached with UEFA regarding the participation of both teams.
In recent years, UEFA has allowed both Red Bull-owned clubs, Leipzig and Salzburg, to compete in the same tournament, and they have even faced each other in official competition.
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