Man United ‘could be BARRED from playing in Europe next season’… as UEFA ‘refuse to change ownership rules’ in massive blow to part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe
- Man United could be denied their European place due to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ownership
- UEFA ownership rules would come into effect if Erik ten Hag’s side qualified for Europe
- Gareth Southgate deserves more respect among the Man United left… who are these fools doubting him? Listen to the It all starts podcast
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s position as head of football operations at Manchester United could have serious consequences if the club were to qualify for European football next season.
After months of speculation, the 71-year-old billionaire’s takeover of the club was finally announced in a club statement in December.
Ratcliffe and his INEOS group paid more than £1 billion for a 27.7 percent stake in the club, which will rise to almost 30 percent after a further £238 million injection.
Despite not being the majority shareholder, Ratcliffe has taken over the football operations at United since the deal was completed in February, along with his INEOS colleagues Jean-Claude Blanc and Sir David Brailsford.
The INEOS group also owns Nice, with the French side currently fifth in Ligue 1 and on course to secure European football.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe becoming Man United’s owner could have significant implications if the club qualifies for European football
In addition to his role as head of football operations at United, Ratcliffe’s INEOS group also owns French side Nice
This is where Ratcliffe’s ownership of United could be problematic for the Premier League club.
UEFA regulations stipulate that while multiple teams under the same umbrella can play in Europe in the future, said teams will continue to be banned from playing in the same competition.
A source from the organization confirmed the news The sun: ‘It is true that Manchester United and Nice cannot play in the same competition.
“They could play in different leagues, because there is no ‘feedback’ between the leagues anymore.”
In the current situation, Erik ten Hag’s team is six points behind Tottenham and nine points behind Aston Villa in the race for European qualification.
However, the FA Cup remains a viable entry into European competitions for the club, as even if Manchester City retain the title, the extra competitive space that a European berth provides would go to their rivals.
Although UEFA rules allow teams under the same flag to play simultaneously in Europe, they cannot do so in the same competition
As such, United could be bumped out of a European spot depending on Nice’s league placement
Normally this wouldn’t be a problem. However, should that happen while Nice secure a place in the Europa League by finishing in fifth place, they would be prioritized over United, forcing the Premier League club to drop back to the Conference League.
However, if United manage to triumph in the FA Cup this season, they would be given priority and Francesco Farioli’s side would be placed in the Conference League instead.
If both teams manage to qualify for the Champions League this season, the place will be awarded to the team that finishes higher in their respective competition.
If both teams finish in the same position domestically, United would still be prioritized based on England’s place at the top of the UEFA coefficient.
Most dramatic for United fans remains the scenario where both United and Nice qualify for the Conference League via their domestic cups, but Nice retain a higher position in the league.
Should this prove to be the case, the French team would get the spot, while United would be left without any European football.
