The role of Ineos in the European exploits of Manchester United
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos powerhouse have until Monday to solidify the criteria regarding the participation of Manchester United and French club Nice in next season’s Europa League.
The billionaire has been the majority shareholder at the French outfit since his takeover in 2019 – and has controlled football operations at Old Trafford since his 27.7% purchase in December 2023.
As the largest individual shareholder at the club, the billionaire’s Ineos team are working to satisfy Uefa’s ownership policies.
What is the issue
Sealed within the chapters of Uefa’s Multi-Club ownership rules are the requirements for an individual or organisation to not hold ‘decisive influence’ over multiple clubs in the same competition.
With Les Aiglons finishing fifth in Ligue 1 and the Reds seeing off Manchester City in the FA Cup final, both sides sealed qualification for European football’s second-tier cup competition.
The qualifying rounds for the Europa League will commence in July, with an independent panel set to deliberate and ultimately rule on the matter.
If a solution is not agreed upon, Erik ten Hag’s side will endure relegation to the Conference League because of their lower league finish (An eighth-placed Premier League position).
The critical factors surrounding ‘decisive influence’
Per the Telegraph, the chairman of Uefa’s Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) First Chamber, Sunil Gulati, outlined the organisation’s guidance to clubs on May 14.
In summary, clubs have until Monday (June 3) to satisfy compliance with the rules dedicated to ensuring the integrity of the competition – namely the multi-club ownership portion.
Should a club trigger an indicator, the CFCB will rule that the party holds a decisive influence in the decision-making of that club, therefore bringing their participation into disrepute.
A ‘decisive influence through governance’
- If a party can appoint or remove the club’s first team head coach or key executives.
- If a party can influence executive decisions – such as transfers or budget approval.
- If a party can benefit from specific contractual or statutory privileged rights regarding the club’s governance through veto rights or other privileged rights.
Should United be worried
The Telegraph states the chemical powerhouse may relinquish a ‘direct involvement’ with the French outfit to satisfy Uefa’s regulations.
The article suggests that “Ineos could look to structure Nice so as to remove any “day-to-day control” and leave the Ligue 1 club as a “stand-alone” entity with Ratcliffe remaining as the major investor in the background.”
Despite the possible implications of the multi-club ruling, Ineos remains in direct dialogue with Uefa and appears confident of a positive resolution.
A statement by the British multinational conglomerate yesterday – per the BBC – reads, “We are aware of the position of both clubs and are in direct dialogue with Uefa.
“We are confident we have a route forward for next season in Europe.”
This is not a first-of-its-kind issue
Several clubs have encountered this very scenario during the recently concluded European competitions.
Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise had to alter its ownership structure to play alongside Brighton in the Europa League – as did Portuguese Vitoria Guimaraes and Aston Villa.
Spanish side Girona and Manchester City operate under the City Football Group. Both will be required to address similar issues – after qualifying for next season’s Champions League.
Having endured the toughest of campaigns, FA Cup victory was the sweetest cure for Manchester United – with participation in competitive European competition a welcome reward.
Monday will make for interesting viewing as Ineos begins its rebuilding project.
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