Manchester United: Ineos confident of avoiding Europa League ban as 'solution' found

Manchester United co-owners INEOS are in talks with UEFA to ensure they are not banned from competing in the Europa League next season.

The Red Devils booked a spot in Europe’s secondary club competition on Saturday after beating rivals Manchester City 2-1 in the FA Cup final at Wembley.

That has brought complications, though, as United’s co-owners, INEOS, also have a stake in Nice, who are also due to compete in the Europa League next term after finishing fifth in Ligue 1.

UEFA’s current rules around multi-club ownership forbid teams with shared owners from playing in the same competition.

Both clubs can compete in Europe, but the one with the lower league position - in this case Manchester United, who finished eighth in the Premier League - could be demoted to the Europa Conference League.

INEOS, however, are confident that a solution can be found and they are in talks with UEFA about the matter.

“We are aware of the position of the two clubs and we are in direct dialogue with UEFA,” INEOS said in a statement. “We are convinced that we have a solution for next season in Europe.”

Manchester United will hope they are able to compete in the Europa League with Nice given that INEOS’ stake in the club is under 30 per cent, which would comply with UEFA regulations.

Complications could arise, though, if that stake was increased - as is the case with Girona and Manchester City.

The City Football Group own a 100 per cent stake in Manchester City and a 47 per cent stake in LaLiga side Girona, with both clubs due to compete in the Champions League next season.