Major Premier League clubs could potentially be barred from participating in the Champions League for the upcoming season.

Why Manchester United Might Not Play in Europe Next Season

The announcement of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a 71-year-old businessman, acquiring Manchester United marked the end of speculation, with his INEOS Group purchasing a 27.7% stake in the club for nearly £1 billion. After investing an additional £238 million, their ownership share is expected to reach around 30%. Notably, INEOS also owns Nice, a French football club currently positioned fifth in Ligue 1, thus eligible for European competitions. UEFA has officially stated that teams under the same ownership cannot compete in the same tournament. A UEFA source confirmed that both Nice and Manchester United cannot participate in the same league, but they could potentially enter separate competitions due to regulatory changes.

Additionally, this development raises concerns among Manchester United fans about their team’s future in European competitions. While the acquisition by Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS Group brings financial stability, it also introduces complications regarding UEFA’s regulations. With Nice and Manchester United both under INEOS ownership, the possibility of exclusion from European tournaments looms large. Fans eagerly await further developments and clarification from both the club and UEFA regarding their participation in upcoming seasons.