According to L’Équipe, Manchester United’s recent FA Cup win could pose problems for INEOS as it confirms that both their clubs have qualified for the Europa League. Nice have confirmed their place in Europe’s secondary competition after securing a 5th-place finish in Ligue 1.
Before defeating Manchester City at Wembley on Saturday, Manchester United were set for a season without European football next season. Europa League football will feel like a boost for the club and the Jim Ratcliffe-backed INEOS, but it poses complications for Nice and the Red Devils.
INEOS currently own 27% of Manchester United but plans to invest a further €277m which would take their ownership stake to greater than 30% – above the threshold for UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules. As a result, if INEOS cannot resolve the issues and meet UEFA’s rules one of their clubs could be relegated to the UEFA Conference League.
Ordinarily, Les Aiglons would be granted the spot in the Europa League due to a higher league finish resulting in United being relegated to the UECL. However, the Red Devils’ FA Cup win will likely take precedence and see Nice drop to the UECL if INEOS cannot resolve the issues.
GFFN | Liam Wraith