Man United could be forced out of elite competition – Kieran Maguire
Man United could be forced to drop out of the Europa League and instead compete in the Uefa Conference League because of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ownership.
That is the view of finance expert Kieran Maguire, who exclusively told Football Insider that Chelsea would instead take United’s position in the Europa League.
Ratcliffe and INEOS own a controlling stake in French side Nice which could pose problems for United’s European campaign in 2024-25.
United are set to compete in the Europa League following their 2-1 win in the FA Cup last month, but Nice have also qualified for the competition after finishing fifth in Ligue 1 last season.
Under Uefa rules, two clubs under the same ownership cannot compete in the same competition due to potential conflict of interest.
Due to Nice finishing higher in their respective league than United, the Red Devils may be forced to drop out of the Europa League.
Man United ownership issues could force Europa League exit
Maguire explained that Chelsea may yet claim a Europa League spot unless United’s lawyers can argue that they can compete alongside Nice next season.
“I think the first issue that needs to be addressed over the course of the summer is whether Manchester United are going to be in the Europa League or the Conference League,” Maguire told Football Insider’s Sean Fisher.
“The issue is because Jim Ratcliffe owns a share in the club and also owns Nice.
“Under Uefa statute, it is normally the club that finishes higher in the domestic league table that continues to be in the higher European competition.
“So we’ll have to wait and see – Manchester United’s lawyers might be able to put forward a persuasive case for both clubs under Ratcliffe’s ownership to continue in the same competition.
“But we saw last year with Aston Villa and Brighton that there had to be significant changes in terms of the ownership of those clubs.
“If Uefa stick to their guns, then it would appear that Manchester United would drop down into the Conference and potentially be replaced by Chelsea.“
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