Manchester City and Manchester United are set to participate in next season’s European competitions under Uefa’s transitional rules on multi-club ownership for the 2024-25 campaign. Clubs had until today to submit their entries, with Manchester City qualifying for the Champions League alongside fellow City Football Group club Girona from La Liga. Manchester United secured a spot in the Europa League by winning the FA Cup, while French club Nice, part of Ineos Group, also qualified for the same competition.
Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin has acknowledged the need for further consideration of the concept of multi-club ownership. In a document sent to clubs, Uefa has offered a temporary alternative for clubs at risk of violating the current rules in 2024-25, allowing for the transfer or assignment of a club to an independent third party like a blind trust. This measure will ensure that decisions are made in the best interests of the clubs involved by a third party.
According to Uefa rules, no individual or legal entity can have “control or decisive influence” over more than one club competing in their European competitions. This move is on an exceptional basis, with Ineos expressing confidence that a solution can be found to enable both Manchester United and Nice to participate in European competition next season.
