UEFA is said to have reached a verdict regarding the participation of Manchester United and Manchester City in European competitions alongside their affiliated clubs.
The decision by UEFA allows Manchester United and Manchester City to partake in European contests in conjunction with their associated clubs.
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Following their remarkable achievement of clinching a fourth consecutive Premier League title, Manchester City is tipped to be a top contender in the upcoming Champions League season.
Joining them will be Girona, a member of the City Football Group (CFG), who secured third place in La Liga, thus qualifying for the first time for the most prestigious club competition in Europe.
On the other hand, Manchester United has earned a place in the Europa League. Despite finishing eighth in the league, their victory in the FA Cup final against Manchester City has granted them entry into the secondary European tournament.
Similarly, Ligue 1’s Nice, under the ownership of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS, will also participate in the Europa League.
The two Manchester powerhouses have been eagerly awaiting a decision on whether owning multiple clubs in European competitions constitutes a conflict of interest.
According to L’Equipe, UEFA regulations require clubs with shared ownership exceeding 30 percent to compete in the same tournament.
Nonetheless, Martyn Ziegler from The Times reports that UEFA is set to permit both Manchester teams and their sister clubs to compete in the same tournament.
The UEFA Club Financial Control Board (CFCB) is expected to make an announcement on Monday regarding the impact of their ruling on both City and United.
It is anticipated that approval will be granted, contingent upon certain conditions being fulfilled, notably the operation of Girona and Nice through a “blind trust” arrangement.
A similar situation occurred with AC Milan and Toulouse, who were both allowed to participate in European competitions last season.
Both clubs are owned by the American investment fund Bird Capital, and significant alterations were made to ensure distinct structures for the two teams.
Clubs will be informed that regulations may be subject to change after the 2024/25 season, as the current decision is considered a “temporary measure.”
