Manchester United fans can breathe a sigh of relief as UEFA is set to allow the club to participate in next season’s Europa League. This comes after concerns were raised about the club’s eligibility due to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ownership of Ligue 1 side Nice, who also secured a spot in the competition.
However, according to The Times, UEFA’s Club Financial Control Board is expected to announce on Monday that both Manchester United and Nice will be permitted to compete in the Europa League for the 2024/25 campaign. This decision is contingent upon certain conditions, including Nice being operated by a “blind trust” approved by UEFA.
The concept of a “blind trust” has been utilized in the past, allowing clubs owned by Red Bird Capital and the City Football Group to participate in European competitions. This model essentially ensures that the decision-making process regarding the clubs’ operations is independent and not influenced by the ownership.
The inclusion of Manchester United and Nice in the Europa League is not without scrutiny. Girona, another club associated with the City Football Group, has faced criticism for its player transactions influenced by the ownership. However, UEFA’s ruling suggests that such multi-club ownership arrangements may be allowed on a temporary basis for the 2024-25 season only.
It is worth noting that UEFA’s rules regarding multi-club ownership could change in the future, with less leniency being granted. This indicates that this exception made for Manchester United and Nice might be a one-time occurrence.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s involvement in multiple football clubs goes beyond Manchester United and Nice. His company, Ineos, also owns a 27.7% stake in Manchester United. Additionally, Ratcliffe owns Swiss side Lausanne-Sport, although they have not qualified for European competition this season.
Overall, while Manchester United fans can celebrate their participation in the Europa League next season, it is important to recognize that UEFA’s decision is a temporary alternative and subject to specific conditions. Multi-club ownership remains a topic of debate in football, and future seasons may see stricter regulations imposed.