May 29 – Manchester United’s new owners insist a solution will be found to allow United and Nice, who they also own, to compete in the Europa League next season.
UEFA’s multi-ownership rules restrict the influence any organisation can have over more than one club in the same competition.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos company owns a 27.7% stake in United and are in control of the club’s football operations, while they completed a buyout of Nice in 2019.
An independent panel is due rule on the matter before next season’s competition starts in the middle of July with the qualifying rounds.
UEFA’s regulations meant Belgian club Union Saint-Gilloise had to alter its ownership structure last season to allow it to compete in the Europa League alongside Brighton, whose owner Tony Bloom had been a pivotal figure for both clubs.
Aston Villa and Portuguese side Vitoria Guimaraes faced the same scenario in the Europa Conference League.
It is also a situation Manchester City and Spanish side Girona will have to address this summer given they are both part of the City Football Group and have qualified for next season’s Champions League.
In a statement, Ineos said it was confident a solution can be reached as regards United and Nice.
“We are aware of the position of both clubs and are in direct dialogue with UEFA,” it said.
“We are confident we have a route forward for next season in Europe.”
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