The official confirmation of the team’s acquisition by 71-year-old billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe was made in December through an official club statement, putting an end to months of speculation.
Ratcliffe, along with his INEOS Group, invested close to £1 billion to secure a 27.7% ownership stake in the team, with the potential for that percentage to rise to nearly 30% with an additional investment of £238 million.
It is important to highlight that Nice, a French football club currently occupying the fifth position in Ligue 1 and set to participate in European competitions, is also under the ownership of the INEOS company.
Considering these ownership ties, UEFA has formally acknowledged that teams owned by the same group are not permitted to compete in the same tournament.
A source from UEFA, when approached for a statement, confirmed this regulation to SunSport, clarifying that while both Manchester United and Nice could potentially participate in different tournaments, they are barred from competing in the same one due to the regulatory framework.
As things currently stand, Manchester United, under the management of Erik ten Hag, are trailing behind Tottenham by six points and Aston Villa by nine points in the race for European qualification.
However, there is still optimism for Manchester United, especially in the FA Cup, which could serve as a pathway to European competitions.
If Manchester City clinches the league title, their closest challengers would secure an additional league spot, potentially offering Manchester United a route to European qualification.
But complications arise due to the shared ownership with Nice. In the scenario where both Manchester United and Nice secure Europa League positions through their respective domestic league standings, priority would be given to Nice.
Consequently, Manchester United would be relegated to the Conference League, provided they secure a Europa League berth by finishing in fifth place.
However, if Manchester United were to emerge victorious in the FA Cup, they would secure a place in the Conference League, while Nice would be relegated to the same competition.
In the event that both teams qualify for the Champions League, the team with the superior domestic league standing would be granted the spot.
Nevertheless, Manchester United would still be given precedence due to England’s high ranking in UEFA’s coefficient, even if both teams conclude the season at the same position domestically.
