Major Premier League clubs could potentially be barred from participating in the Champions League for the upcoming season
The probability of Manchester United being excluded from European competitions next season appears high due to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s recent acquisition of the club. In December, the club officially confirmed the 71-year-old entrepreneur’s purchase, concluding months of speculation. Ratcliffe, along with his INEOS Group, acquired a 27.7% stake in the club, amounting to nearly £1 billion. Upon completion of another £238 million payment, their ownership percentage will rise to approximately 30%.
Adding to the complexity, INEOS also owns Nice, a French football club currently positioned fifth in Ligue 1 and set for European competition. UEFA, in response to this intertwining ownership, has unequivocally stated that teams owned by the same entity cannot compete in the same tournament. A UEFA insider confirmed this decision, indicating that both Nice and Manchester United are ineligible to participate in the same league. However, with the absence of a direct feeding mechanism between tournaments, there remains the possibility for both clubs to partake in separate competitions.
This scenario underscores the intricate dynamics shaping European football governance, where ownership structures can significantly impact a club’s participation rights. While Manchester United’s prowess on the field is unquestionable, the regulatory landscape governed by UEFA’s directives poses formidable hurdles for clubs with interconnected ownership ties. As Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS Group expands its portfolio within the footballing world, the ramifications on club participation and the broader competitive landscape warrant careful scrutiny. The coming months will likely see further developments in this ongoing narrative, as stakeholders navigate the intricate intersection of ownership, regulations, and sporting integrity.
