November 23, (THEWILL) – Manchester United are progressing towards a substantial takeover led by INEOS leader, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, but such an arrangement may bring up further questions from UEFA over multi-club ownership regulations.
INEOS already retains ownership of French club Nice, who stand a genuine possibility of qualifying for the 2023/2024 UEFA Champions League as they are currently behind Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint-Germain. UEFA rules clearly state that two clubs under common ownership cannot both partake in UEFA tournaments. Hence, the progressing deal has raised doubts over whether United could face exclusion from Europe’s elite competition if INEOS’ takeover goes through.
The guidelines are intended to guarantee no single entity wields control over multiple teams in UEFA contests, which would seriously undermine fairness. With Nice flying high domestically, United would likely need to secure second spot in the 2023/2024 English Premier League to take priority over the French outfit. Otherwise, they would face a possible UCL prohibition.
However, a ban is improbable. UEFA’s codes are no mystery and ways to work inside the rules would have been substantially talked about during takeover talks. Inspiration could come from how Red Bull counteracted the guidelines when both RB Leipzig and Red Bull Salzburg qualified for the UCL in 2017/2018. Significant backroom changes were made to guarantee the teams were rightly separate.
While doubts linger, ingenious solutions should allow INEOS to complete their promising takeover while keeping United clear of any UCL exclusions. Careful restructuring behind the scenes is likely to satisfy UEFA that the Red Devils and Nice retain sufficient independence.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
