Manchester United’s participation in next season’s UEFA Champions League may not be guaranteed, even if the team earns qualification by winning the Europa League final. The issue lies not in sporting merit, but in a potential breach of UEFA’s multi-club ownership regulations due to the club’s shared ownership ties with French side OGC Nice.
Both Manchester United and OGC Nice are linked through ownership by INEOS, a chemical conglomerate led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe. UEFA’s rules prohibit two clubs under the same ownership or with significant influence from being involved in the same European competition. These regulations are intended to preserve the fairness and integrity of UEFA tournaments, preventing any potential conflicts of interest or manipulation of outcomes.
As it stands, Manchester United’s only path to Champions League qualification is through the Europa League, where they are set to face Tottenham Hotspur in the final. Meanwhile, OGC Nice are on course to secure a Champions League berth through their league position in France’s Ligue 1. This dual qualification raises a red flag under UEFA’s rules on multi-club ownership.
Despite this, recent trends suggest UEFA may take a more nuanced, case-by-case approach to enforcing these rules. In recent seasons, UEFA has permitted certain clubs with shared ownership links to compete in European tournaments under specific conditions. One such arrangement involves the use of a “blind trust” or temporary restructuring that allows for an artificial separation of ownership influence. This method was previously employed in cases such as RedBird Capital’s involvement in both AC Milan and Toulouse.
A similar solution could be applied in the case of Manchester United and OGC Nice for the 2025/26 season. The expectation is that UEFA will permit both clubs to participate under a temporary framework that satisfies their integrity standards. However, this would likely be a one-off accommodation, with UEFA reportedly planning to tighten enforcement of ownership rules from the following season.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has indicated confidence that UEFA will allow Manchester United to compete in the Champions League, citing constructive talks with the governing body. He has emphasized that the ownership structure does not constitute a breach of the current regulations and that UEFA has shown willingness to find tailored solutions to complex situations involving large multi-club networks.
Nevertheless, the situation remains precarious in the long term. INEOS is believed to be exploring the possibility of selling OGC Nice to eliminate the risk of future disqualification or regulatory challenges. Such a move would also reflect broader concerns, including financial instability in French football and the increasing scrutiny from UEFA and other stakeholders on multi-club ownership practices.
For Manchester United fans, this means that even if the team secures Champions League qualification on the pitch, off-field factors could yet influence their participation. While UEFA may allow both clubs to compete next season, the sustainability of the current ownership model is in question. Going forward, a more permanent solution will be required to align with UEFA’s evolving regulatory landscape.
In conclusion, while the immediate threat of exclusion seems low if Manchester United qualify, the dual ownership structure must be addressed decisively. The future of the club’s European ambitions could hinge not just on footballing success, but on strategic decisions at the ownership level.
