Ineos Billionaire’s £1.3 Billion Deal Raises Concerns Over Dual Ownership with French Side Nice, Potentially Excluding Both from Europe’s Elite Tournament
Manchester United is on the brink of a potential Champions League ban for the upcoming season, as Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s long-pursued partial takeover of the club inches closer to fruition. The Ineos billionaire is set to acquire a substantial 25% stake in the club, sparking concerns about the ramifications of his ownership of French side Nice.
Ratcliffe’s £1.3 billion deal, while nearing approval, poses significant challenges due to Nice’s competitive standing in Ligue 1. The French side, currently challenging Paris Saint-Germain for the Ligue 1 title, could secure a spot in next season’s Champions League. With France expected to receive three automatic places and a play-off spot for the revamped 36-team tournament, Nice stands a strong chance of participating.
However, UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules present a hurdle. If both Manchester United and Nice secure Champions League spots in their respective leagues, they would be ineligible to participate simultaneously. According to The Sun, one team would need to qualify directly for the Champions League, while the other would have to settle for a place in the UEFA Conference League.
In the scenario where both clubs finish in Champions League positions, the berth would be awarded to the higher-ranking team, potentially disadvantaging Manchester United. Current form suggests Nice might hold the advantage in this context. Moreover, if Nice finishes fourth in Ligue 1 but loses the Champions League play-off, leading them into the secondary competition, Manchester United could face exclusion from the Europa League.
The Champions League holds substantial financial value, with an estimated £140 million in TV and prize money at stake. A source within UEFA told The Sun, “As the rules stand, it’s a clear situation. Ineos owns Nice and is set to have a significant role in running United. Unless the regulations are changed, or Ineos sells one of their stakes, they cannot both play in European competitions, unless one is in the Champions League and the other in the Conference League.”
As the football world closely monitors this complex ownership situation, Manchester United faces the potential loss of a coveted Champions League spot, impacting not only their prestige but also their financial prospects on the European stage.
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