Sir Jim Ratcliffe makes drastic decision to avoid Manchester United being barred from Europa League

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has reportedly made a drastic decision to prevent Manchester United from being excluded from the Europa League.

United secured their spot in the UEFA Europa League by defeating Manchester City in the FA Cup final last month, but their participation remains uncertain.

The complication arises because United’s minority owner, INEOS – which acquired a 27.7% stake in the club earlier this year – also owns OGC Nice. UEFA regulations prohibit clubs with the same owner from competing in the same tournaments.

To address this, INEOS chief Ratcliffe has decided to sell Nice, according to the Independent.

UEFA is expected to allow United and Nice a one-season transition period, enabling both teams to participate in the Europa League. During this period, Nice would likely be placed in a “blind trust,” similar to last season’s arrangement for Red Bird Capital-owned AC Milan and Toulouse.

However, under the current ownership rules, both clubs will not be allowed to compete in the same competition after this transition period as UEFA plans to enforce stricter regulations from the 2025-26 season.

Ratcliffe also aims to concentrate on his responsibilities at Old Trafford, fulfilling his long-term goal of managing his boyhood club.

Selling Nice could be challenging due to the fragile financial state of French football. Ligue 1 has struggled to secure a broadcast partner for the upcoming season, with revenue projections dropping from a potential €1 billion deal to just €500 million.

Independent sources indicate that while INEOS has yet to engage in talks with potential buyers, Nice’s unique location might attract interest.