Ratcliffe is about to finalize a minority acquisition of 25% of the Old Trafford side; the tycoon has been annoyed by recent delays, but this is expected to become official in the coming days.
He will assume leadership of the team’s athletic department; nevertheless, because of their new owner, UEFA has threatened to ban Manchester United from the Champions League.
In addition, Ratcliffe has ownership interests in Nice, a Ligue 1 team, and Lausanne, a Swiss team, which is giving the Red Devils trouble.
According to The Sun, Man Utd and Nice won’t be able to compete in Europe next season unless one of them automatically advances to the Champions League and the other wins the Conference League. This is due to UEFA’s regulations regarding multi-club ownership.
The team with the higher finish will advance and the other will be suspended if both secure Champions League spots.
Nice, one of the few unbeaten teams in Europe’s Big 5 leagues, is currently second in Ligue 1 behind PSG, who is currently leading the team under head coach Francesco Farioli. Additionally, they’re in a good spot.
However, after losing five of their first 12 games, Manchester United is currently sixth in the Premier League and has little chance of finishing in the top three.
UEFA warns Manchester United
“Under the current rules, the issue is obvious. According to a UEFA source, “Ineos own Nice and are set to have a significant role in running United.”
“They cannot both participate in European competitions unless one is in the Champions League and the other in the Conference League, unless the regulations are changed or Ineos sells one of their stakes.”
Ratcliffe might therefore need to attempt to work out a workaround as his first move as Manchester United’s owner.