Manchester United might be barred from the Champions League even if they win the Europa League by beating their Premier League rivals Tottenham Hortspur on Wednesday in Bilbao.
United are a heartbeat away from saving their calamitous season and qualifying for the Champions League next season if they fend off Tottenham.
However, due to UEFA’s rule on club ownership, United might be prevented from playing in the Big Ears competition. Minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe also still owns French Ligue 1 club Nice, who might also qualify for the Champions League.
UEFA rules are in place to ensure that two teams controlled by the same person or entities don’t play in the same competition to promote integrity.
“To ensure the integrity of the UEFA club competitions, no club participating in a UEFA club competition may, either directly or indirectly: hold or deal in the securities or shares of any other club participating in a UEFA club competition”
It is the same problem facing Chelsea owners who also own French club Strasbourg. The two cubs could qualify for the same European competition at the end of the season.
