Manchester United could face a potential UEFA Champions League ban next season due to the club’s shared ownership structure with French side OGC Nice, both of which are linked to Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS.
UEFA regulations prohibit two clubs under the same ownership or with significant influence from participating in the same European competition, a rule designed to protect the integrity of its tournaments.
Currently, Manchester United’s qualification for the Champions League hinges on winning the Europa League final against Tottenham.
Meanwhile, OGC Nice, also owned by INEOS, are on course to qualify for the Champions League via their Ligue 1 finish. This scenario has triggered concerns about a possible conflict with UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules.
However, UEFA has recently adopted a more flexible, case-by-case approach to such situations. For the 2024/25 season, it is expected that both Manchester United and Nice would be allowed to compete in European competitions, likely through a temporary arrangement such as placing Nice in a “blind trust”-a solution previously used for other multi-club ownership cases like RedBird Capital’s interests in AC Milan and Toulouse.
This workaround is anticipated to be a one-season measure, with UEFA signaling stricter enforcement of the rules from 2025/26 onwards.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has publicly stated that he does not foresee the ownership structure preventing Manchester United from participating in the Champions League, citing ongoing discussions with UEFA and the governing body’s willingness to find bespoke solutions.
Nonetheless, INEOS is reportedly considering the sale of OGC Nice to avoid future regulatory complications, especially as stricter rules loom and financial uncertainties in French football increase.
In summary, while Manchester United’s Champions League participation for next season appears unlikely to be blocked if they qualify, the club and its ownership group will need to address the dual-ownership issue more permanently before the 2025/26 European campaign
By Samson Jura
