Even if Manchester United qualifies by winning the Europa League final next Wednesday, they could not be allowed to play in the Champions League the following season. On May 21, the Red Devils will play Tottenham at San Mames Stadium in Bilbao. Following dismal domestic seasons, both teams are looking to secure a berth in Europe’s top competition.
In the Premier League, Tottenham is now ranked 17th, with United, led by Ruben Amorim, only one spot higher in 16th. United is now certain to finish at least 13 points behind their historical lowest Premier League total since the competition’s start in 1992, having only 39 points going into their last two league games against Chelsea and Aston Villa.
But winning the Europa League trophy the following week would provide a lifeline, securing them a spot at the top table in Europe during Amorim’s first full season as manager and helping to conceal an otherwise terrible season. However, despite their achievement, their participation is still uncertain because of a little-known rule that could result in their exclusion.
Why Man United Could Be Banned From The Champions League
Multi-club ownership rules could see OGC Nice be given a place ahead of the Red Devils
The partial ownership of another European team by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS is the reason for the possible ban. Ratcliffe assumed leadership of Manchester United’s football operations earlier this year and owns about 29% of the team. But he also owns Nice, a Ligue 1 team that is now in fourth place and headed to the third qualifying round of the Champions League.
Regarding multi-club ownership and related clubs participating in the same European competition, UEFA has stringent regulations. According to the Manchester Evening News, these regulations were changed last year to take into consideration the increasing number of clubs that have shared ownership.
The fact that Man United and Nice are both allowed to play in the Europa League this season and that Manchester City and Girona are allowed to play in the Champions League shows that the organisation now evaluates such cases on an individual basis.
Given that these same rules previously prevented United from signing Jean-Clair Todibo, this more accommodating attitude will be welcomed. Last year, Ratcliffe faced the possible issues that his other interests might cause and dealt with them head-on.
Last year, Sir Jim Ratcliffe addressed the matter.
Supporters were told by the INEOS leader that United would not face consequences.
When it became known that Ratcliffe was trying to sell his interest in the French club, the likelihood of this ban decreased. When the same issues arose last year, he also personally handled the possible problem. “No, there are no situations in which Manchester United’s participation in the Champions League would be impeded by the ownership of Nice. “I will be very clear about that,” he stated.
“You know, it says you have to alter the ownership structure. Therefore, it all comes down to power, board positions, and such. A: the regulations are evolving, and B: things are not always black and white. Given that they clearly have Girona, Manchester City will most likely have the issue before us.
“We have had a conversation with UEFA, and I must admit that it wasn’t about “you have to solve this problem, and you know we don’t like it.” We have a problem, and we may need to make some adjustments. However, they acknowledge that the smaller club often gains a great deal from the multi-club concept.
“They are worried that the smaller clubs will suffer a great deal if the multi-club concept is discontinued. because the larger club really benefits the smaller club. That’s a good thing, then. However, they are concerned about the possibility of someone being accused of lacking integrity and influencing the outcome of a game. That is the most worrisome aspect.
“We’ve never taken the time to fully comprehend the advantages of having many clubs. But of course, we have Omar, who has a close relationship with Manchester City, a very successful multi-club. Therefore, before we conclude with a view, we need to spend some time with Omar attempting to grasp it a little more.
“I believe that rather than having a negative propensity towards multi-clubs, I have a favourable one. We still haven’t had enough time to fully comprehend all of its nuances. Additionally, since UEFA is evolving, you must consider where you believe UEFA will end up and what the handicaps are. It’s clear that there are disabilities involved.
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