Manchester United could be banned from next season’s Champions League despite winning the Europa League due to UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules. Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who holds stakes in both Manchester United and French club OGC Nice, faces a conflict because UEFA prohibits an individual or entity from exerting control or decisive influence over more than one club competing in the same European competition.
This season, Manchester United reached the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur, with the winner normally securing automatic qualification for the following season’s Champions League. However, Nice are also in a strong position to qualify for the Champions League through their Ligue 1 standing, which complicates matters given Ratcliffe’s ownership of both clubs.
To comply with UEFA regulations, INEOS, Ratcliffe’s company, has placed its shares in Nice into a blind trust to ensure independent management and reduce conflicts of interest. Despite this, UEFA could still decide to bar one club if it finds the measures insufficient. Typically, the club with the lower domestic league finish would be excluded, which currently threatens Manchester United more than Nice, given their poorer league position this season.
Ratcliffe is reportedly exploring the sale of Nice, which if completed before a certain deadline, could resolve the issue and allow both clubs to compete in Europe next season. UEFA has indicated that the key factor is ensuring no individual is involved simultaneously in the management or sporting performance of both clubs. Proof that the clubs operate independently would satisfy UEFA’s concerns.
Ratcliffe has expressed confidence that ownership structures can be adjusted to meet UEFA’s evolving rules and has noted that the multi-club ownership model can benefit smaller clubs. He also mentioned ongoing discussions with UEFA to find solutions that maintain competition integrity without penalizing clubs unnecessarily.
In summary, while Manchester United could face a Champions League ban next season if they win the Europa League, ongoing negotiations, potential ownership changes, and UEFA’s case-by-case approach provide some hope that the club will be allowed to compete.