Manchester United co-owners INEOS have announced ongoing discussions with UEFA regarding their planned participation in the upcoming Europa League season. This follows potential conflicts arising from their ownership ties with French club Nice.
Manchester United secured their Europa League spot by triumphing in the FA Cup final against Manchester City, despite finishing eighth in the Premier League. This victory shifted sixth-place Chelsea to the Conference League and left seventh-place Newcastle without European competition next season.
However, INEOS’ ownership stakes in both Manchester United and Nice, which also qualified for the Europa League after finishing fifth in Ligue 1, have created a conflict with UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules. These regulations prevent teams under the same ownership from participating in the same competition.
Given Manchester United’s lower domestic league finish compared to Nice, they face the risk of being demoted to the Conference League. Despite this, INEOS is optimistic about finding a resolution that will allow both teams to compete in the Europa League.
In a statement, INEOS expressed confidence in reaching an agreement with UEFA: “We are aware of the position of the two clubs and we are in direct dialogue with UEFA. We are convinced that we have a solution for next season in Europe.”
UEFA regulations stipulate that INEOS’ stake in Manchester United, which is under 30%, complies with their ownership guidelines. Nice was acquired by INEOS chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe in 2019 for approximately €100 million, while INEOS’ partial purchase of Manchester United was finalized earlier in 2024.
Similarly, the City Football Group’s 47% stake in La Liga club Girona poses a potential conflict regarding Girona’s participation in the Champions League. It is anticipated that UEFA will also find a resolution in this case, allowing both teams to compete.
In recent precedents, UEFA has permitted teams under the Red Bull umbrella, such as Leipzig and Salzburg, to participate in the same competition, even allowing them to face each other in official matches. This gives INEOS hope for a favorable outcome for Manchester United and Nice.
As these discussions continue, both Manchester United and Nice await UEFA’s final decision, which will determine their participation in European competitions next season.