Man Utd 'Could Be Banned' From Champions League, Even if They Win Europa League

 Manchester United could be banned from competing in the Champions League next season, even if they secure qualification by winning the Europa League final next Wednesday. The Red Devils are set to face Tottenham at Bilbao's San Mames Stadium on May 21, with both clubs hoping to salvage a spot in Europe’s top competition after disappointing domestic campaigns.

Tottenham currently sit 17th in the Premier League, with Ruben Amorim’s United just one place above them in 16th. Having amassed only 39 points heading into their final two league fixtures against Chelsea and Aston Villa, United are now guaranteed to finish at least 13 points below their previous worst Premier League total since the competition’s inception in 1992.

However, lifting the Europa League trophy next week could offer a lifeline, allowing them a place at Europe’s top table in Amorim’s first full season in charge, and thus helping to mask an otherwise disastrous year. That said, their participation still isn’t assured, due to a little-known regulation that could see them barred despite their success.

Why Man United Could Be Banned From The Champions League

Multi-club ownership rules could see OGC Nice be given a place ahead of the Red Devils

The potential ban stems from Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS’s partial ownership of another European club. Ratcliffe holds roughly 29% of Manchester United and took charge of the club’s football operations earlier this year. However, he also owns Ligue 1 side Nice, who currently sit fourth in the Ligue 1 and are on track to qualify for the Champions League third qualifying round.

UEFA has strict rules regarding multi-club ownership and the involvement of affiliated clubs in the same European competition. These rules were revised last year to account for the growing number of clubs with shared ownership, according to the Manchester Evening News.

The organisation now assesses such situations on a case-by-case basis, evidenced by Man United and Nice both being permitted to compete in the Europa League this season, and by Manchester City and Girona being allowed to participate in the Champions League.

This more flexible approach will be seen as a relief, especially after United were previously blocked from signing Jean-Clair Todibo due to these very regulations. Meanwhile, Ratcliffe tackled the potential problems his interests elsewhere could give rise to last year, and he addressed them head on.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe Addressed The Issue Last Year

The INEOS leader reassured supporters that United wouldn't be punished

This ban was made all the less likely after it was revealed Ratcliffe was looking to sell his stake in the French club. He also addressed the potential issue himself when the same problems cropped up last year. "No, there are no circumstances upon which an ownership of Nice would prevent Manchester United from playing in the Champions League. I’ll be crystal clear on that," he said.

"It says you have to change the ownership structure, you know. So it’s all about influence and positions on the board and that sort of thing. A: the rules are changing, and B: there are shades of grey, not black and white. Manchester City will probably have the problem before we have the problem because they’ve obviously got Girona.

"We have spoken to UEFA and I have to say the conversation wasn’t directed at, 'you have to solve this problem, and you know we don’t like it'. We have an issue, and we might have to change some things. But what they do recognise is that the multi-club model in many circumstances benefits the smaller club quite a lot. "

"They do have a concern that if they stop the multi-club model then you take away quite a lot from the smaller club. Because the smaller club benefits a lot from the bigger club. So that’s a good thing. But what they’re worried about is if there’s ever an accusation that somebody influences the result of a game - lack of integrity. That’s the most concerning thing.

"We’ve never spent time really understanding the benefits of a multi-club. But we’ve got Omar obviously, who’s been intimately involved in a really successful multi-club, which is Manchester City. So we need to spend a bit of time with Omar trying to understand it a bit better before we finish up with a view.

"I think my inclination is positive towards multi-clubs, not negative towards multi-clubs. We haven’t spent enough time understanding all the details of it yet. Also, the UEFA thing is changing so you have to do it in the light of where you think UEFA is going to finish up, what the handicaps are. There are obviously handicaps involved."