Manchester United's participation in next season's Europa League could be at risk due to INEOS' ownership of French club Nice.
The Red Devils, who finished eighth in the Premier League in 2023-24, were expected to miss out on European football next season.
Man United qualified for the Europa League with a 2-1 win over Manchester City at Wembley in the FA Cup final.
However, due to UEFA rules regarding multi-team ownership, their ability to compete in the tournament is uncertain.
They are designed to prevent two clubs from the same association from participating in the same competition.
French club OGC Nice is owned by INEOS, the company that owns the Old Trafford club and is controlled by British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
The French club's fifth-place finish in Ligue 1 earned them a place in the 2024-25 Europa League.
INEOS currently holds a 27% stake in Man United, but further investment is expected to increase that percentage to a level above UEFA's 30% requirement for multi-team ownership rules to apply.
INEOS completed the purchase of Nice in 2019, gaining 100% ownership of the club.
L'Equipe says UEFA will not allow clubs with joint ownership of more than 30% of each team to participate in the same competition.
Either Man United or Nice will likely be relegated to the Europa Conference League, UEFA's third club competition, if INEOS cannot come up with a solution and comply with UEFA rules.
Man United are in danger of losing their Europa League place
Nice's top-flight finish of fifth compared to Man United's eighth-place finish will mean they retain their Europa League spot.
Which team, if any, will be relegated to the Conference league remains to be seen.
The Red Devils ended a disappointing season with an FA Cup victory against rivals Manchester City.
Despite being second favorites to win the final, Erik ten Hag's men secured European football next season with a win against the Premier League champions.
Source link
