Sir Jim Ratcliffe makes drastic decision to avoid Manchester United being barred from Europa League

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has reportedly made a drastic decision to prevent Manchester United from being excluded from the Europa League.

United secured their spot in the UEFA Europa League by defeating Manchester City in the FA Cup final last month, but their participation remains uncertain.

The complication arises because United’s minority owner, INEOS – which acquired a 27.7% stake in the club earlier this year – also owns OGC Nice. UEFA regulations prohibit clubs with the same owner from competing in the same tournaments.

To address this, INEOS chief Ratcliffe has decided to sell Nice, according to the Independent.

UEFA is expected to allow United and Nice a one-season transition period, enabling both teams to participate in the Europa League. During this period, Nice would likely be placed in a “blind trust,” similar to last season’s arrangement for Red Bird Capital-owned AC Milan and Toulouse.

However, under the current ownership rules, both clubs will not be allowed to compete in the same competition after this transition period as UEFA plans to enforce stricter regulations from the 2025-26 season.

Ratcliffe also aims to concentrate on his responsibilities at Old Trafford, fulfilling his long-term goal of managing his boyhood club.

Selling Nice could be challenging due to the fragile financial state of French football. Ligue 1 has struggled to secure a broadcast partner for the upcoming season, with revenue projections dropping from a potential €1 billion deal to just €500 million.

Independent sources indicate that while INEOS has yet to engage in talks with potential buyers, Nice’s unique location might attract interest.Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the chief of INEOS and minority owner of Manchester United, has reportedly decided to sell OGC Nice to comply with UEFA regulations and secure Manchester United’s place in the UEFA Europa League. UEFA rules prevent clubs under the same ownership from competing in the same tournament. INEOS’s 27.7% stake in Manchester United and ownership of OGC Nice created a conflict under these regulations.

To address this, Ratcliffe plans to sell Nice, allowing for a one-season transition where both clubs can participate in the Europa League. During this period, Nice would likely be placed in a “blind trust,” similar to an arrangement seen previously with Red Bird Capital-owned AC Milan and Toulouse. After the transition, stricter ownership regulations are expected from the 2025-26 season, preventing both clubs from competing in the same competition if the ownership issue remains unresolved.

Selling Nice poses challenges due to the financial instability of French football, exacerbated by difficulties in securing broadcast deals. Despite these hurdles, Nice’s attractive location might draw interest from potential buyers. Ratcliffe’s move also aligns with his long-term ambition to focus on managing Manchester United, his boyhood club.