Manchester City and Manchester United Cleared for European Competitions
Manchester City and Manchester United Cleared for European Competitions
Manchester City and Manchester United Cleared for European Competitions, Manchester City and Manchester United have been approved to participate in European competitions next season following the resolution of conflicts regarding multi-club ownership involving Girona and Nice. This decision, however, comes with specific restrictions that impact player transfers, notably preventing Manchester United from signing Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo.
Resolution of Multi-Club Ownership Conflicts
The conflict stemmed from UEFA regulations that prohibit clubs with the same ownership from competing in the same competition. City Football Group (CFG) owns both Manchester City and Girona, while Ineos controls the football operations of Manchester United and Nice. To comply with these rules, substantial changes were necessary at both Girona and Nice.
Significant Changes at Girona and Nice
The Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) of UEFA announced that “significant changes” had been implemented at Girona and Nice to restrict investors’ influence and decision-making power. Shares in both clubs have been transferred to a blind trust, which will be supervised by independent trustees to ensure compliance. These measures are designed to demonstrate the independence of the clubs from their parent companies.
Impact on Player Transfers
An important aspect of the resolution is the restriction on player transfers between the clubs owned by the same parent companies. From July 2024 to September 2025, CFG and Ineos agreed not to transfer players permanently or on loan between the clubs. This directly affects Manchester United’s plans to sign Jean-Clair Todibo from Nice, a highly-rated defender valued at £40 million. Conversely, Manchester City’s pursuit of Brazilian winger Savio remains unaffected, as Savio returned to Troyes (another CFG club) after his loan with Girona expired on June 30.
Statements from CFG and Ineos
A CFG source confirmed to BBC Sport that both City and Girona complied with all CFCB requests. In a statement, Ineos expressed satisfaction with the resolution: “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.”
Future Implications
While the immediate measures allow Manchester City and Manchester United to compete in European competitions, the situation remains fluid. The shares transferred to the blind trust are due to be returned in July 2025, at which point the CFCB will reassess the situation to determine if the clubs are still under the control or decisive influence of their investors.
Conclusion About Manchester City and Manchester United Cleared for European Competitions
The resolution of the multi-club ownership conflict allows Manchester City and Manchester United to take their places in European competitions next season. The restrictions on player transfers highlight the complexities and regulatory challenges associated with multi-club ownership in modern football. As the situation develops, both clubs will need to adapt to maintain compliance and competitive advantage.
FAQs About Manchester City and Manchester United Cleared for European Competitions
1. Why were Manchester City and Manchester United initially in conflict over European competition participation?
UEFA regulations prohibit clubs with the same ownership from participating in the same competition. Manchester City and Girona are owned by City Football Group, while Manchester United and Nice are controlled by Ineos, creating a conflict.
2. What measures were taken to resolve the ownership conflicts?
Significant changes were made to limit investor influence at Girona and Nice, including transferring shares to a blind trust supervised by independent trustees. Additionally, CFG and Ineos agreed not to transfer players between the clubs from July 2024 to September 2025.
3. How does the resolution impact Manchester United’s transfer plans?
Manchester United is prevented from signing Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo due to the transfer restrictions. Todibo was a target for United, but the new rules block the transfer.
4. Can Manchester City still pursue Brazilian winger Savio?
Yes, Manchester City’s pursuit of Savio is unaffected. Savio has returned to Troyes, another CFG club, after his loan with Girona expired on June 30.
5. What will happen in July 2025 regarding the ownership situation?
In July 2025, the shares are due to be transferred back to the original owners. At that time, the CFCB will reassess the situation to determine if the clubs are still under the control or decisive influence of their investors.
6. How did Manchester United and Manchester City qualify for European competitions?
Manchester United qualified for the Europa League by beating Premier League champions Manchester City in the FA Cup final. Manchester City will be playing in their 14th consecutive Champions League campaign, while Girona qualified for the first time by finishing third in La Liga.
