Man United could be forced to drop into the Europa Conference League despite qualifying for the Europa League after beating Man City in FA Cup final
By Kehinde Okeowo
Man United may not participate in the UEFA Europa League next season despite qualifying for the competition after winning the FA Cup.
This is because the Premier League club co-owner, Sir Jam Ratcliffe, also owns French club, Nice who incidentally qualified for the same competition.
According to UK Telegraph, UEFA has informed Man United that they have until Monday to find a resolution that will allow them play in the competition next season.
The Red Devils despite finishing in eighth place in the Premier League in the 2023/2024 season, qualified for Europa after winning the FA Cup final against Manchester City at the Wembley Stadium.
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However, Ratcliffe’s ownership of two other teams – Ligue 1 Nice and Swiss club Lausanne – puts him in contravention of UEFA’s rules.
European football’s governing body rules state that the same owner or entity is not permitted to have “decisive influence” across two or more clubs competing in the same competition.
Nice finished fifth in France this season and because they finished higher in their league than Man United, it is the Red Devils who could be forced to drop into the Europa Conference League, unless a solution is found.
Meanwhile, INEOS, the petrochemicals company led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, remains confident that Man United will not be relegated to the Europa Conference League due to UEFA’s regulations.
Speaking via a statement made available to journalists, INEOS said: “We are aware of the position of both clubs and are in direct dialogue with Uefa.
“We are confident we have a route forward for next season in Europe.”