Man Utd could be banned from Champions League despite winning Europa League

(Dan Tri) - Even if they win the Europa League, Man Utd still faces the risk of being banned from competing in the Champions League.

Man Utd are having their worst season in the Premier League era. However, in the Europa League, the Red Devils have shown a completely different face. They won 7-1 after two legs of the semi-final against Bilbao to enter the final against Tottenham.

Man Utd are at risk of not being able to compete in the Champions League even if they win the Europa League (Photo: Getty).

According to UEFA regulations, the Europa League champion will win a ticket to the Champions League next season. However, Man Utd is not sure to have this honor, even if they win the match at San Mames on May 21.

The reason is that Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Man Utd's major shareholder at the time, also owns Nice FC in France. According to old UEFA regulations, two clubs owned or influenced by the same individual are not allowed to participate in European cups.

Nice are currently fourth in Ligue 1 and are very close to qualifying for the Champions League. If Nice maintain that position and Man Utd win the Europa League, both teams under Sir Jim Ratcliffe's control will qualify for next season's Champions League.

UEFA relaxed the rules somewhat last year to accommodate the growing number of clubs owned by consortiums across Europe, and will now look at each case on a case-by-case basis. That’s why Man City and Girona are both in the Champions League, while Man Utd and Nice are both in the Europa League this season.

However, Man Utd failed to sign defender Jean-Clair Todibo from Nice due to a conflict of interest. Therefore, UEFA can completely ban Man Utd or Nice from participating in the Champions League if they feel there is a conflict of interest.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is looking to sell his stake in Nice FC (Photo: YouTube).

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is looking to sell his stake in Nice to reduce his influence, allowing both teams to compete in European competition.

In addition, UEFA stipulates that: "no one may directly or indirectly interfere in the management, administration or influence the sporting performance of more than one club competing in European competitions". Therefore, to circumvent the law, Sir Jim Ratcliffe can change the leadership structure of Man Utd or Nice.

The problem is that the two clubs need to prove that they operate independently and are not run by a single apparatus to pass UEFA's "censorship round". Therefore, Sir Jim Ratcliffe needs to be flexible, to avoid Man Utd or Nice being banned from playing in the Champions League.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/man-utd-co-the-bi-cam-tham-du-champions-league-du-vo-dich-europa-league-20250512232656815.htm