MU could be banned from the Champions League despite winning the Europa League

TPO - Despite reaching the Europa League final and having a chance to win a ticket to next season's Champions League, MU is still facing the risk of being "whistled" by UEFA due to problems in the club's ownership model.

MU just won convincingly with a score of 7-1 on aggregate against Athletic Club to book their name in the Europa League final, where they will face Tottenham, who beat Bodo/Glimt with a score of 5-1 on aggregate after two matches.

Normally, the winner of this season's Europa League automatically qualifies for the Champions League next season. However, for the "Red Devils", this scenario is becoming more complicated than ever.

The problem lies in… Nice

Under old UEFA regulations, two clubs under the same ownership - regardless of playing in different leagues - could not participate in European competitions at the same time. This became a big concern for MU when Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is in control at Old Trafford, is also a major shareholder in Nice (France).

Nice are currently fourth in Ligue 1 and are in contention to qualify for next season's Champions League. If United win the Europa League and Nice maintain their top four position, both teams will qualify for Europe's most prestigious competition - something that could prompt UEFA to intervene.

UEFA loosens but not safe

Luckily for United, UEFA amended the regulations last year to better accommodate the growing trend of multi-club ownership in Europe. That is why Man City and Girona are both in the Champions League, while United and Nice are both in the Europa League this season, instead of being banned outright as before.

However, that does not mean MU is completely at ease. UEFA still maintains the principle: "No individual is allowed to simultaneously interfere, directly or indirectly, in the management, operation or professional activities of more than one club participating in UEFA tournaments".

Sir Jim Ratcliffe reassures, MU has reason to be optimistic

Responding to the media recently, Sir Jim Ratcliffe himself firmly affirmed: "There is no situation in which owning Nice prevents MU from participating in the Champions League. I make that clear. The problem is the ownership structure and the level of influence."

In fact, Ratcliffe is considering selling Nice, a move that could help United avoid trouble if UEFA conducts a review. In addition, as long as he proves he does not have “decisive influence” over both clubs at the same time, United will not be eliminated from the Champions League.

With the current situation, "Red Devils" fans can rest assured for now. But before thinking about this scenario, Erik ten Hag and his students will have to do the most important thing: defeat Tottenham in the Europa League final.

Trong Dat

Source: https://tienphong.vn/mu-co-the-bi-cam-du-champions-league-du-vo-dich-europa-league-post1741741.tpo