Manchester United told Europa League fate as UEFA make threat over Sir Jim Ratcliffe ownership

Manchester United has been given the green light to participate in the Europa League, following a decision by UEFA regarding their future in the competition – but the governing body has threatened that they won't be so lenient in future years.

Despite finishing eighth in the Premier League, Erik ten Hag's team clinched the FA Cup, a victory that secured them an automatic spot in Europe's second-tier competition for the upcoming season.

However, there were uncertainties about their eligibility to compete in the tournament due to Nice's qualification. The French club is also owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe through his INEOS chemical company.

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Having finished fifth in Ligue 1 this past season, UEFA regulations stipulate that clubs owned by the same entity cannot compete in the same European competition. Typically, the team that ranks lower in their respective league would be demoted to the Europa Conference League, which in this case would be United.

But as reported by The Times, both United and Nice will be permitted to compete in the Europa League next season. UEFA's Club Financial Control Board is set to deliver a verdict on multi-club ownership issues on Monday, reports the Mirror.

It is anticipated that the CFCB will approve United's participation alongside Nice, subject to certain conditions. They will also be cautioned that the forthcoming season will be considered transitional, and such leniency will not be extended in future years.

The CFCB is also set to rule that Nice should be operated via a 'blind trust' by a panel approved by UEFA. It is a model that was used by AC Milan and Toulouse this season, with both clubs being owned by Red Bird Capital.

It is reported that a UEFA document on multi-club ownership says a blind trust would be a 'temporary alternative... granted on an exceptional basis for the 2024-25 Uefa competitions'. It also states that UEFA's multi-club ownership rule may be changed for future seasons.

INEOS only own 27.7 percent of United, but Ratcliffe has been handed control of the club's football and business operations by majority owners the Glazer family. The British billionaire previously bought Nice in 2019.

Ratcliffe also owns Swiss Super League side Lausanne-Sport, though they have not qualified for a European competition for next year. The ruling around multi-club ownership also affects Manchester City.

They qualified for the Champions League after winning the Premier League title this term. But their owners City Football Group are also in control of La Liga side Girona, who will play in Europe's top tier next term.

City and Girona will also be allowed to keep their places in the competitions they originally qualified for. The CFCB is said to have scrutinised the CFG links because of the clubs' transfer dealings this season, though have cleared both teams to play.