Concerns have been raised about Manchester United chances of competing in the same top-tier European leagues as OGC Nice, following the billionaire’s takeover of the French club.
Despite being part-owner of OGC Nice, Manchester United will still be able to participate in European competition in the future.
There were concerns that Ratcliffe’s shareholding in both clubs could prevent United from competing in either the Champions League or the Europa League alongside the Ligue 1 champions, even though the rules governing participation in the various UEFA competitions have become less restrictive.
Fears due to Sir Jim Ratcliffe takeover
Ratcliffe’s investment in United was made public in December 2023 and the final details of the deal were announced in February 2022.
Nice currently in fifth position in the Ligue 1 table, but they are only four points behind second-placed Brest in the race for the top spot. Like United, they could still qualify for the Champions League next season, as well as the Europa League and Europa Conference League.
Ratcliffe had previously insisted there was no chance that his Nice ownership would prevent United from playing in Champions League football, and now it looks as though he was right.
The Mail reports that UEFA have given United a deadline of June 3 to demonstrate that they and Nice do not share “joint management” of administrative functions.
In the past, clubs with common ownership have been able to participate in the competition, including for the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons.
“I don’t see any reason why Manchester United, with a shareholding in Nice, wouldn’t be able to compete for the Champions League,” said Ratcliffe in February. “I’ll be perfectly clear on that because we’d have to sort it out.”
“The rules are evolving, and they’re not black-and-white. We’ve spoken to UEFA, and I’ll be honest with you – the conversation wasn’t about ‘we need to sort this out’ or ‘we don’t like it’.”
Will Manchester United qualify for the Champions League? Have your say in the
It’s been reported that United are feeling more confident about their European opportunities following Brighton’s and Union SG’s participation in this season’s Europa League, despite Tony Bloom’s ownership of both clubs.
In addition, Aston Villa owner Wes Edens has a shareholding in Portuguese club Vitoria – which joined Villa in participating in the Europa Conference League for the 2022-23-24 season.
Ratcliffe also drew attention to the multi-club ownership of City Football Group. Spanish side Girona, which is part of the group that also includes Manchester City, are currently on course to qualify for the Champions League.
“We may have to make some changes, but what UEFA does recognise is that, in many cases, the multi-club structure works in favour of the smaller club,” Ratcliffe said. “It states that you must change the ownership structure.”
This is all about influence and board positions and so on.
So, a) rules change, and b) there are grey areas, not just black and white.
Manchester City will likely have this problem before we do because they have Girona, who are performing well in La Liga in Spain.
