Sir Jim Ratcliffe angrily denies media reports over potential sale, he says he is ‘crystal clear’

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Manchester United are used to being treated differently. The latest situation is no surprise at all.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe‘s investment in Manchester United was confirmed by this week, with Ineos‘ plans to revolutionise the club already underway.

But what was irritating to Manchester United fans, are the reports emerging suggesting UEFA could be set to change their rules, just when Ratcliffe is coming in.

Ratcliffe’s Ineos group own French side Nice and Swiss club Lausanne.

• READ MORE: Who is Sir Jim Ratcliffe? Net Worth, Businesses, Man Utd deal

What’s going on with multi-club ownership

According to The Times, there is a possibility Ratcliffe could have to relinquish control of Nice. The Telegraph also report this is being considered.

This is connected to impending new rules on multi-club ownership, with UEFA assessing what should be permitted in the future.

Currently there are no enforcements against multi-club ownership, even though UEFA rules state an investor must not have ‘a decisive influence in the decision-making’ at two clubs in the same competition.

Ratcliffe is adamant he will not have to walk away from Nice, and he is absolutely certain he can navigate any new rulings.

Speaking to The Athletic, Ratcliffe said: “We’ve spoken to UEFA. There are no circumstances upon which an ownership of Nice would prevent Manchester United from playing in the Champions League — I’ll be crystal clear on that.

“It says you have to change the ownership structure. So it’s all about influence and positions on the board and that sort of thing. So, a) the rules are changing, and, b) there are shades of grey, not black and white.” 

Multi-club ownership permitted by UEFA up to now

Multi-club ownership has been permitted by UEFA, with both RB Leipzig and Red Bull Salzburg allowed to compete in the Champions League in the same season in 2017/18.

Aston Villa and Brighton have seen no issues with their model after qualifying for Europe last season.

Manchester City will be subject to scrutiny next year, with Girona on course to qualify for the Champions League. The second placed team in La Liga are owned by the City Group.

But don’t bet on City relinquishing control at Girona. So why should Ratcliffe have to do so at Nice?

Many do not like the concept of multi-club ownership. There have been protests in France where City hold a stake in Troyes and Chelsea likewise with Strasbourg.

There is no doubt it could be problematic for the game, but UEFA and FIFA have turned a blind eye until now.

Now the biggest club in football, Manchester United, finally forge links with foreign clubs, is it suddenly becoming a problem?

Is it a case of bad timing? Or is this merely a case of where Manchester United’s high profile will count against the club.

Just like when Wayne Rooney was the only player at the time, and ever, to be penalised for swearing on camera, sometimes the game’s governing bodies love nothing more than to make an example of the Red Devils.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe better get used to this. The spotlight at Manchester United really is like no other club in the world. But he sounds prepared for any eventuality which will come his way.

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