The Old Trafford club is at risk of being banned from the Champions League if Sir Jim Ratcliffe successfully takes over 25% of the team’s shares.
British media simultaneously asserted that Man United could face a ban from UEFA even if they qualify to participate in the European Cup next season, if the team is owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe in Ligue 1, Nice also have a place in the European Cup. At this time, Ratcliffe is about to take over 25% of Man Utd shares.
UEFA regulations prohibit two clubs under the same owner from competing in European competitions. And with Ratcliffe’s Ineos group set to buy a 25% stake in Man United – as well as taking ownership of Nice – that could cause problems.
Man United are currently ranked 6th in the Premier League table while Nice are second in the Ligue 1 table, just one point behind Paris St-Germain. Both still have a chance to win tickets to the Champions League next season.
UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules show that the only way for both Man Utd and Nice to appear in the European Cup next season, in case one of the two teams participates in the Champions League group stage, is the other club required. must attend the Conference League.
That will prevent Man Utd and Nice from competing in the same arena, the Champions League or Europa League, at any stage of the season.
On the other hand, according to article 5 of UEFA’s regulations, the club that qualifies for the more prestigious tournament will have priority. Or if they qualify for the same tournament, the club from the tournament with a higher UEFA ranking will have priority.
In case both Man Utd and Nice want to participate in the Champions League, the Appraisal Department of the UEFA Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) will conduct investigation steps before making a final decision. The same thing happened to RB Salzburg and RB Leipzig in the Champions League in the 2017/18 season.
alzburg and Leipzig are both under the management of Red Bull. But after review, the UEFA Appraisal Department announced: “We accept Salzburg and Leipzig because they do not violate article 5 of the law. After a thorough investigation, the CFCB believes that there are no individuals or legal entities. who has influence over more than one club participating in the tournament.”
At that time, Ratcliffe will likely break the law. Actions that could help Ratcliffe achieve his wishes include significantly reducing this billionaire’s shares in one of the two teams or transferring control and decision-making rights at Man Utd or Nice to an independent party.
In addition, Ratcliffe also needs to prove that he has limitations in his ability to provide finance to many clubs, does not have representation on the Board of Directors or is unable to appoint new Directors of many clubs, At the same time, he is unable to participate in important decisions at both Man Utd and Nice.
Surely when deciding to buy shares in Man Utd, Ratcliffe took this issue into account and promised to have a solution to arrange everything smoothly.