UEFA’s ruling states that clubs under the same ownership cannot compete in the same European competition
Manchester United and Manchester City have been informed that they will be allowed to participate in the same European competitions as their sister clubs.
United qualified for the Europa League after winning the FA Cup but their position was in doubt after Nice – who are also owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS group – also secured qualification.
It was a similar tale for the Premier League champions after Girona, who are part of the City Football Group – qualified for the Champions League via their league position in LaLiga.
What is the rule?
UEFA rules state clubs owned by the same owners will not be allowed to compete in the same UEFA competitions. Because Nice achieved a higher league position this season, they would be allowed to stay in the Europa League and United would be pushed down into the Conference League.
This would’ve also been the case for Girona after Man City won the league whereas they came third in the Spanish top flight.
Although UEFA have said that the clubs will be permitted to do so this season, it’s a rule that is unlikely to be given special discrepancies for in future seasons.
Girona will compete in the Champions League for the first time in their history while Nice have been a regular face in the Europa League over the years.
It’s not been confirmed if the clubs will be allowed to go up against each other in the new-look league phase of the European competitions this coming season.
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