Manchester United is confronting the specter of exclusion from the prestigious Champions League, a predicament triggered by Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s imminent acquisition of a significant stake in the club, as reported by dailystar.co.uk. Ratcliffe, the billionaire behind Ineos, is poised to secure a 25% share in United through a staggering £1.3 billion deal. This development, however, complicates matters due to Ratcliffe’s ownership of French club Nice, currently vying with Paris Saint-Germain for the Ligue 1 title.
Read Also:
As the deal inches closer to approval, the impending clash arises from the allocation of Champions League spots. With France expected to receive three automatic berths and a play-off spot, both Nice and United aspire to participate. Uefa’s multi-club ownership rules, though, present a hurdle, stipulating that both teams cannot concurrently feature in the Champions League unless one secures direct qualification while the other settles for the Uefa Conference League.
The scenario intensifies as qualification nuances come into play. If, by chance, both clubs secure Champions League spots in their respective leagues, only the higher finisher among them will earn the coveted berth. Current standings favor Nice, placing them in a more advantageous position. Conversely, if the clubs conclude the season in the same position, United would prevail due to England’s prime standing in Uefa’s ‘access list.’
The stakes are high, with potential ramifications extending beyond missing out on the Europa League. The financial blow looms large, with the Champions League offering a substantial £140 million in TV and prize money. A UEFA source emphasized the clarity of the situation under existing rules, underscoring the need for regulatory changes or Ineos to divest one of their stakes to enable both clubs’ participation in European competitions.
