The joy of Manchester United’s supporters could be cut short as there are reports that they could miss out of next season’s (2024/25) Europa League.
There have been reports going around in the media that the Red Devils could play in the Europa Conference League because of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ownership in Manchester United and Ligue 1 side, Nice. According to reports,
an independent panel is due to rule on the matter before the Europa League qualifying rounds begin in the middle of July 2024 which is after the Euro 2024.
Why will Manchester United miss out on the Europa League?
Sir Jim Ratcliffe owns a 27.7 per cent stake in Manchester United, where he has complete control of football operations, and is also the majority shareholder at Nice following his takeover of the French club in 2019.
Uefa’s multi-club ownership (MCO) rules bar any organisation or individual from having “decisive influence” over the running of more than one club in the same competition.
The major issue for Ineos is the extent of their sporting control at the two clubs. Although Ratcliffe is only a minority shareholder at Old Trafford, but he assumed full control of football operations at the club under the terms of his £1.3 billion deal with the Glazers in February, including the ability to hire and fire a manager, chief executive, sporting director and other key executives.
What did Manchester United owners say?
Ineos confirmed in a statement that they are in talks with UEFA as it concerns the incident but they are working round the clock to ensure everything is sorted in due time.
“We are aware of the position of both clubs and are in direct dialogue with Uefa. We are confident we have a route forward for next season in Europe.”
What is next for Manchester United?
If Manchester United can not sort out the situation then they would be forced to drop into the Europa Conference League since they finished in a lower position in the Premier League (eighth) than fifth-placed Nice did in Ligue 1. They have until Monday, June 3, 2024, to sort out the situation with UEFA.
Manchester United booked qualification to the Europa League following their victory over Manchester City in the 2023/24 FA Cup final despite finishing eighth on the Premier League table.
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