Multi-club ownership rules enforced by UEFA present a major obstacle that could keep the Red Devils out of Europe’s top club competition.
Ratcliffe already owns OGC Nice, a French team that is also competing for a Champions League spot, and this is the main point of contention. One organization cannot hold ownership interests in more than one club that is participating in the same European competition, according to UEFA regulations. Ratcliffe ends up in a difficult situation where he has to decide between his two loves of football.
If Ratcliffe were to put Manchester United first, he would have to give up command of OGC Nice. The French club’s financial standing and sporting aspirations have been greatly enhanced by his involvement, so this could prove to be a complicated and potentially expensive undertaking. On the other hand, Manchester United’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League would be severely limited if they continued to support OGC Nice. This would probably infuriate the club’s ardent supporters.
This dilemma has far-reaching effects that go well beyond individual on-field issues. The Champions League status of Manchester United is closely related to its financial situation. The club’s capacity to compete at the top level and maintain financial stability depend heavily on the competition’s large prize money and sponsorship deals.
UEFA is adamant in its position on the subject. The league has made it very clear that Ratcliffe is not allowed to own shares in both Manchester United and OGC Nice in order for either team to be eligible to play in the Champions League. Therefore, Ratcliffe has a clear responsibility to find a way to protect both clubs’ interests and satisfy UEFA’s regulations.
Ratcliffe needs to get things done quickly. The 2024–2025 Champions League qualification rounds are quickly approaching, and a prompt resolution is required to keep Manchester United’s hopes of competing in Europe intact. Whatever course of action Ratcliffe chooses—severing his ties with OGC Nice or trying to reorganize his ownership in a way that conforms with UEFA regulations—it is clear that it will have a significant effect on Manchester United’s and OGC Nice’s future.