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INEOS release statement following Man United’s reported Europa League qualification problem

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According to a new report, Manchester United’s Europa League campaign hangs in the balance due to UEFA’s rules, and INEOS has responded.

The report, which comes from French outlet L’Equipe, has highlighted that Ineos is facing a massive dilemma regarding next season’s European football

Ineos, who hold a 27% stake in Manchester United, also own Ligue 1 side Nice, something that presents several complications for the multi-billion dollar company.

Nice, finished in fifth place in Ligue 1 this season, seemingly securing Europa League football for next season. Meanwhile, after missing out on a top-seven finish in the Premier League, the Red Devils also earned a place in the Europa League after Saturday’s FA Cup victory.

This may cause a major issue for Ineos, as under UEFA’s multi-club rules it is likely one of either Manchester United or Nice could face relegation to the Europa Conference League.

As things stand, United’s 27% stake in Manchester United would prevent dual ownership from being an issue, as UEFA’s rules only take effect when over 30% of a team is owned.

However, the report states that Ineos is planning to invest an additional £235 million into United shortly, which would take their stake past the 30% threshold.

In usual circumstances, Nice would take priority over United due to their higher league finish. But, because the Red Devils’ FA Cup trophy is held in high regard, the report notes that United may take precedence if multi-club ownership becomes an issue.

ManchesterWorld have stated that a possible workaround for INEOS would be if the to clubs provide evidence to UEFA that they do not share any joint-management despite having the same owners.

INEOS released a statement: “We are aware of the position of both clubs and are in direct dialogue with UEFA. We are confident that we have a route forward for next season in Europe.”

Previously entering the Europa League on seven occasions, United have managed to win UEFA’s secondary competition on one occasion, beating Ajax in 2017.

Since then, United’s last venture into the competition was in 2022/2023, where they were knocked out in the quarter-finals.

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