A major decision by minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe could safeguard Manchester United’s spot in next season’s Champions League.
Ratcliffe, who owns 27.7% of United and also controls French club OGC Nice through his INEOS group, faced a potential issue with UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules. These rules prevent two clubs under the same ownership from competing in the same European competition to avoid conflicts of interest.
With both United and Nice in the running for Champions League qualification, the situation threatened to disqualify one of the clubs. To resolve this, Ratcliffe has put OGC Nice up for sale, with a reported valuation of £200 million. Selling the club would remove the conflict and secure United’s Champions League eligibility.
While the deal is a strategic move to comply with UEFA regulations, it remains unclear whether the sale will be finalized in time for next season. UEFA is also reportedly reviewing its multi-club ownership policy, which could eventually allow more flexibility for ownership groups like INEOS.
In the meantime, Ratcliffe’s decision could be pivotal in ensuring Manchester United remain part of Europe’s elite competition.
