Manchester United’s participation in next season’s Europa League is in jeopardy despite their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
The 2-1 triumph at Wembley secured Erik ten Hag’s team a spot in the Europa League alongside Tottenham Hotspur.
However, they risk being expelled from the competition due to INEOS’ ownership of French club Nice.
According to AIT Online, UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules prohibit two teams owned by the same entity from competing in the same tournament.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS currently holds a 27% stake in United and plans to invest an additional £245 million, increasing their ownership stake to over 30%.
This exceeds UEFA’s threshold for multi-club ownership while also owning Ligue 1 side Nice.
Nice finished fifth in the French top-flight, earning their place in next season’s Europa League.
If INEOS cannot resolve the conflict, one of the clubs may be relegated to the UEFA Conference League.
As Nice finished higher in their league (fifth place) compared to United’s eighth-placed finish in the Premier League, they would maintain their Europa League status.
