Manchester United secured a spot in the UEFA Europa League after defeating Manchester City in the FA Cup final.
However, the Red Devils could actually see that prize snatched away by UEFA after OGC Nice – owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe as well – also qualified for the UEFA Europa League.
UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules prevent any organisation or individual from having decisive influence over the running of multiple clubs in the same UEFA competition.
The Telegraph believe Ratcliffe will now have until Monday to convince UEFA to allow both of his clubs to partake in the 2024/25 Europa League.
If the 71-year-old fails to do so, Manchester United will actually have to drop into the UEFA Conference League, with OGC Nice taking the UEFA Europa League spot…
Why OGC Nice would take UEFA Europa League spot ahead of Manchester United
The answer to this is quite straightforward.
It simply comes down to the fact OGC Nice finished higher in Ligue 1 than Manchester United did in the Premier League.
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Ratcliffe’s French side ended the 2023/24 campaign fifth in Ligue 1 – whereas Erik ten Hag guided the Red Devils to an underwhelming eighth place finish.
That is why OGC Nice would receive preferential treatment by UEFA – if INEOS cannot convince the organisation to allow both clubs to partake.
INEOS seem confident
While this sounds like a worrying situation for Manchester United, INEOS are relaxed.
In an official statement, they said: “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.”
After all, this is not a situation unique to Manchester United – Manchester City and Girona also require talks with UEFA, after both of the City Football Group outfits qualified for the UEFA Europa League.
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Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as a decision is expected to be made on Monday.