Man United and Man City can play in the same European competitions as sister clubs Nice and Girona next season after ‘significant changes’ to the continental club’s board.
City and La Liga side Girona have been given the green light to play in the Champions League in 2024/25 while United and OGC Nice of Ligue Un have been approved for the Europa League.
👋 𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐀, @ChampionsLeague 🇪🇺 pic.twitter.com/ILglAvVS4h
— Girona FC (@GironaFC) July 5, 2024
UEFA’s Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) investigated a potential conflict of interest under pre-existing multi-club ownership rules.
City Football Group and INEOS have reduced their influence on the Spanish and French clubs respectively, paving the way for them to compete alongside the Manchester clubs next season.
In order to comply with regulations, the investors had to transfer their shares in the clubs to independent trustees through a new blind trust established under the supervision of the CFCB.
Control over the clubs and their decision-making will rest with the trustee while City Football Group and INEOS will no longer be represented on the board of the continental clubs.
The clubs have also had to agree not to transfer or players to each other this season, cooperate on technical or commercial deals or share scouting or player information.
The trust will only hold the shares until July 2025 when the situation is likely to be reviewed again.
IN a statement INEOS told BBC Sport: “We are pleased with the positive decision from the First Chamber of the UEFA Club Financial Control Body which will see Manchester United play in the Europa League next season.
“The focus for Manchester United is on the season ahead and performance on the pitch.”
BREAKING: UEFA confirm Manchester United and Manchester City will be allowed to compete in European competitions next season alongside clubs who share the same ownership 🚨 pic.twitter.com/9EZKDI97sK
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) July 5, 2024
