Due to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s anticipated acquisition of a 25% share in Manchester United, the club faces the possibility of exclusion from the upcoming Champions League. Ratcliffe’s impending £1.3 billion deal triggers concerns because of his ownership of French team Nice, currently vying with Paris Saint-Germain for the Ligue 1 title.
The Champions League structure, which allocates three automatic spots and a play-off position to France, presents a potential clash. With both Nice and Manchester United eyeing European competition, UEFA’s regulations on multi-club ownership pose a significant hurdle. According to The Sun, if both clubs secure Champions League berths or similar standings, only one can participate due to UEFA’s rules.
In the event of both clubs achieving Champions League qualification, the club ranking higher would gain entry while the other misses out. Presently, Nice appears more likely to secure this privilege. However, England’s standing on UEFA’s ‘access list’ could favor Manchester United if both clubs finish in identical positions.
Moreover, the situation intensifies if Nice settles for fourth place but fails in the Champions League play-off, potentially entering the Europa League. For Manchester United, missing out on the Champions League—either directly or due to Nice’s situation—would deal a significant financial blow, as the tournament reportedly carries a value of around £140 million in TV rights and prize money.
A source from UEFA informed The Sun that under the current regulations, Ineos’ ownership of both clubs complicates their simultaneous participation in European competitions unless one competes in the Champions League and the other in the Conference League. The dilemma persists unless there are alterations to the existing rules or if Ineos divests its stake in one of the clubs.
Manchester United performance and stats
Manchester United
Manchester United is currently 6th in the Premier League with 21 points.
In the last 12 games, it has won 7 times and lost 5 times. In its last match, Manchester United won 1-0 against Luton Town.
It has a negative goal difference after scoring 13 goals and conceding 16.
Manchester United will play the next match in Premier League against Everton on Sunday 26th of November in Liverpool. The prediction is Manchester United winning the match.
