Man Utd in discussions to prevent Europa League ban

The co-owners of Manchester United, INEOS, have announced negotiations with UEFA concerning their intended involvement in the forthcoming season's Europa League. Their participation is doubtful due to their connection with French football team Nice.

A potential absence from European football was looming for the Red Devils following an eighth-place finish in the Premier League. However, they secured a spot in the Europa League after their FA Cup triumph over Manchester City with a 2-1 scoreline in the final match at Wembley.

This development implies that Chelsea, who finished in the sixth position, will now be in the Conference League instead, while Newcastle, having secured the seventh position, will not be participating in Europe.

However, INEOS' investment in both Manchester United and Nice, who also qualified for the Europa League next season following their fifth-place finish in Ligue 1, is a potential violation of UEFA's rules against multi-club ownership. UEFA regulations prohibit teams managed by the same entity from participating in identical competitions.

Since United did not fare as well in their domestic league, they might be relegated to the Conference League. Still, INEOS assures they are optimistic of finding a resolution that will allow both teams to play in the Europa League.

A public declaration from INEOS stated, 'We understand the two clubs' situation and are discussing directly with UEFA. We believe we have a solution for the upcoming season in Europe.'

It is anticipated that United will be spared any consequences as INEOS' share in the club is beneath the 30% limit set by UEFA regulations. Nice was initially purchased by Ratcliffe for an alleged €100m in 2019, with his partial procurement of United being confirmed in 2024.

Elsewhere, City Football Group's 47% holding in La Liga team Girona might potentially lead to the Spanish team's removal from the Champions League. However, it's anticipated that an agreement will be struck with UEFA regarding both teams' ability to compete.

In the past, UEFA has permitted Red Bull-owned Leipzig and Salzburg to compete in the same tournament, and they have indeed squared off in official matches.