Man United ‘huge’ development stuns Keith Wyness – ‘it beggars belief’
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has claimed Uefa allowing Man United and OGC Nice to play in the Europa League together “beggars belief”.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – insisted INEOS should’ve been forced to sell one of the sides and claimed Uefa’s decision will “open the door for conspiracy theories”.
United qualified for next season’s Europa League after upsetting the odds to beat rivals Man City in the FA Cup final last month (25 May).
There had been doubts over the Red Devils competing alongside INEOS-owned OGC Nice, but The Times (2 June) report that Uefa have given the green light for both clubs to be involved.
The competition will feature a new Swiss-style format that sees United face eight opponents from September to January.
‘Uefa have caved’ to Man United after new approval, says Wyness
Aston Villa’s have previously been forced to reduce their stake in Vitoria de Guimaraes in order to ensure both clubs could play in the Conference League.
Wyness told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “It seems to be inconsistent, and we’re getting used to that from football authorities.
“Aston Villa were asked to reduce their shareholding in Portugal in order to play in Europe this season.
“Other clubs have been made to do the same.
“This solution for Man City, Girona, Man United and Nice – they’re trying to put these shares into a blind trust. It seems like an elegant solution, but it wasn’t the right way to do it.
“Uefa should’ve come down heavy on them and made them divest the stakes in the smaller clubs.
“It seems they have instead bowed to the powerful clubs in Manchester.
“I don’t think it’s consistent, and I don’t think it’s the right way forward. One of the clubs has got to go, and that’s the penalty.
“Hopefully you sell it on a profit – what if Man City and Girona play themselves? What will people think?
“Are we supposed to believe there won’t be interactions between the two clubs?
“It beggars belief and just creates a huge question mark, opening the door for conspiracy theories. I’m not saying there will be, but it could look like one.
“I think Uefa have caved. They should’ve been stronger in looking for a long-term solution.”
In other news, Premier League trio make moves to sign Man United star.
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