Man Utd could be BARRED from Europe due to Ratcliffe's stake in Nice

Manchester United could banned from European competition next season. According to 'The Sun', UEFA rules do not allow both clubs under the same ownership to compete against each other in the same European competition, something that could directly affect the Mancunian club.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe recently acquired a minority stake in the English club, and it is worth remembering that the owner of INEOS also has a stake in OGC Nice. The fact is that the French club would currently be leaving the Old Trafford outfit out of the Conference League. 

Ten Hag's team would now be qualified for the Conference League, as Liverpool, who earned their ticket for it after beating Chelsea in the final of the Carabao Cup, are almost certain to play in the Champions League next season, so the English team's place in the Conference League would go to the highest ranked team outside the European competition, i.e. Manchester United.

Francesco Farioli's side would also qualify for the next edition of that competition as they sit fifth in Ligue 1, and in the event that two clubs under the same ownership have to play in the same European competition it would be the one that is ranked higher in their respective league that would be entitled to appear in the European competition.

However, this issue has already been addressed by the owner of INEOS who said that "under no circumstances" would this prevent United from competing in European competitions. "There are no circumstances upon which an ownership of Nice would prevent Manchester United from playing in the Champions League - I'll be crystal clear on that," he said

"Because we would have to find a solution. The rules are changing, and the rules are shades of grey, not black and white. We have spoken to UEFA and I have to say the conversation wasn't directed at 'you have to solve this problem and we don't like it'.

 

March 25, 2024