Manchester United will be allowed to take part in European competition going forward, despite part-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’ s involvement in French club OGC Nice.
There had been fears that Ratcliffe’s stake in both clubs could prove an obstacle to United’s participation in the Champions League or Europa League at the same time as the Ligue 1 outfit, even as laws on competing in different UEFA competitions have been relaxed. Ratcliffe’s investment in United was announced in December 2023, with an official announcement of the completed deal following in February.
Nice currently sits in fifth place in Ligue 1, but just four points adrift of Brest in second. The club could yet end up in the Champions League, Europa League or Europa Conference League for the 2024-25 season, as is the case for United.
According to The Mail, UEFA has indicated United would have until June 3 to prove they and Nice don’t share “joint management of administrative functions”. Previously, clubs with shared ownership elements have been free to compete in the same competition, including in the 2023-24 season.
“ There are no circumstances upon which an ownership of Nice would prevent Manchester United from playing in the Champions League- I’ll be crystal clear on that. Because we would have to find a solution,” Ratcliffe said in February.
“The rules are changing, and the rules are shades of grey, not black and white. We have spoken to UEFA and I have to say the conversation wasn’t directed at ‘you have to solve this problem and we don’t like it’.”