Manchester United and PSG could face a ban from participating in the Champions League next season
Manchester United’s potential ban from the Champions League could result from UEFA’s rules regarding club ownership.
In November, the Glazer family indicated their willingness to entertain offers from interested parties for a stake in the club.
However, recent reports suggest that they are now more open to a full takeover, with the financial advisor The Raine Group aiming to complete a full sale of the club in the first quarter of 2023 for a price between £6-7 billion.
A Qatari-based investment group is rumored to be among the parties interested in buying Manchester United.
The group is reportedly comprised of high-wealth individuals based in Qatar and motivated by the country’s hosting of the World Cup.
A takeover by this group could impact Manchester United’s eligibility to participate in the Champions League next season as Qatar Sports Investments already own Paris Saint-Germain, another major European club.
Therefore, if a Qatari group were to purchase Manchester United while already owning Paris Saint-Germain, both clubs could be banned from participating in the same UEFA competition.
This is due to the “Independence of clubs” rule implemented by UEFA in 1998 which prohibits clubs under the same ownership from participating in the same UEFA competition. The rule was introduced to maintain the integrity of the competition and prevent any instances of corruption such as match-fixing.
The rule states: “No individual or legal entity may have control or influence over more than one club participating in a UEFA club competition.”
This is defined as:
- Holding a majority of the shareholders’ voting rights;
- Having the right to appoint or remove a majority of the members of the administrative, management or supervisory body of the club;
- Being a shareholder and alone controlling a majority of the shareholders’ voting rights pursuant to an agreement entered into with other shareholders of the club; or
- Being able to exercise by any means a decisive influence in the decision-making of the club.
It’s possible that UEFA could view ownership of both Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain by a Qatari group as a violation of their regulations.
This could result in only one of the clubs being allowed to participate in the Champions League if they both qualify.
Avram Glazer, co-owner of Manchester United, has reportedly talked to potential investors from Saudi Arabia. Additionally, Jim Ratcliffe has confirmed his official bid to acquire Manchester United last month.
Manchester United and PSG could face a ban from participating in the Champions League next season
