According to a recent report, if Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s proposed plan fails, Manchester United might face exclusion from the Champions League next season.
The team presently ranks sixth in the Premier League, trailing five points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa with 13 games remaining.
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Finishing fifth could secure Champions League qualification via England’s 2023/24 UEFA coefficient ranking, but this approach remains uncertain at present.
Another development emerged recently, as Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS are poised to acquire a 25% stake in the club and manage footballing operations.
Despite the British billionaire’s proactive steps, such as appointing former Manchester City executive Omar Berrada as the club’s new CEO, there remains one obstacle to overcome.
This is because INEOS presently holds a controlling interest in Ligue 1 club Nice, currently positioned third in France’s top league and on track for Champions League qualification next season.
If both Nice and United secure spots in Europe’s premier competition, UEFA regulations dictate that only one of them can compete.
This scenario would disadvantage United only if they finish below Nice in the standings. However, if both clubs finish at the same position, United would qualify as England holds the top spot on UEFA’s ‘access list’.
As reported by The Athletic, Ratcliffe is cognizant of the potential complication if both teams secure Champions League qualification, a concern that has been acknowledged since initial discussions with the Glazer family regarding acquiring a stake in United.
Nevertheless, the report notes that Ratcliffe’s team is determined to engage in discussions with UEFA to devise a mutually acceptable solution for both clubs and the football governing body.
Consequently, if a resolution proves elusive and the speculated scenario materializes, Ratcliffe and INEOS could face additional obstacles in their endeavors.
