Why could Manchester United be banned from playing in the Europa League?

Manchester United upset Premier League champions Manchester City to win the FA Cup at Wembley on Saturday, a result which earned them a place in the Europa League league phase in 2024/25 (and upset Chelsea and Newcastle). However, there are suggestions the Red Devils could be relegated to the Conference League because INEOS, who have a minority stake in the club, also own French team Nice.

The reason Manchester United could be relegated to the Conference League

The Ligue 1 side have also qualified for next season’s Europa League league phase after finishing in fifth place in the top division in France.

According to Mirror, UEFA’s current multi-club ownership rules means owners can only own one club and have a maximum 30% stake in another. As it stands, INEOS chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe owns 27.7% of United but plans to increase his investment in the near future, which could see INEOS run into problems if they remain the sole owners of Nice.

If that were to happen, one of the two clubs would be relegated to the Conference League. And that club would be United due to them finishing lower in their domestic league (eighth) than their stalemates.

INEOS “convinced” of United-Nice Europa League solution

The Manchester Evening News, however, claims INEOS has received assurances from UEFA since Ratcliffe’s investment in United was ratified that the issue could be resolved and both teams would be able to take part in the same competition.

“We are aware of the position of the two clubs and we are in direct dialogue with UEFA. We are convinced that we have a solution for next season in Europe.”

Will INEOS and Ratcliffe’s additional investment in the Premier League giants be delayed, or have they found another loophole that will allow both clubs to compete in in next season’s Europa League?