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Manchester United could be banned from next season\u2019s Champions League due to Sir Jim Ratcliffe's partial takeover of the club. <\/p>\n
Ratcliffe\u2019s long-running pursuit of a stake in United is on the verge of being rubberstamped, with the Ineos billionaire set to take a 25% portion of the club. Ratcliffe's \u00a31.3billion deal will throw up some issues due to his ownership of French side Nice, who are challenging Paris Saint-Germain for the Ligue 1 title.<\/p>\n
With France set to be awarded three automatic places and a play-off spot for next season\u2019s Champions League, Nice have a strong chance of being involved in Europe\u2019s top club competition. Despite their dire start to the season, United will hope to be in the mix too, with the Premier League likely to be granted five spots for the new-look 36-team tournament. <\/p>\n
READ MORE: 15 players who Man Utd could axe as Erik ten Hag 'plans mammoth transfer clear out' <\/b><\/p>\n
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However, under Uefa\u2019s multi-club ownership rules, both sides wouldn\u2019t be able to play in the Champions League. In fact, they would only both be able to play in Europe if one qualifies directly for the Champions League and the other makes it into the Uefa Conference League, reports The Sun.<\/p>\n
If both sides finish in the Champions League spots in their leagues, the place will go the club that finishes high with the other will miss out. On current form, that is most likely to be Nice. If the clubs finish in the same position, United would get to nod thanks to England\u2019s place at the top of Uefa\u2019s \u2018access list\u2019.<\/p>\n
Do you think Man Utd will finish in the Champions League spot? Tell us in the comments section below<\/i> <\/b><\/p>\n
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United could even be barred from playing in the Europa League if Nice finish fourth but lose their Champions League play-off and drop into second-tier competition. But missing out on the Champions League \u2013 either directly or because of Nice \u2013 would be the biggest blow to the Red Devils, with the competition worth a reputed \u00a3140million in TV and prize money.<\/p>\n
A Uefa source told The Sun: \u201cAs the rules stand, it\u2019s a clear situation. Ineos own Nice and are set to have a significant role in running United.<\/p>\n
\u201cUnless the regulations are changed, or Ineos sell one of their stakes, they cannot both play in European competitions, unless one is in the Champions League and the other in the Conference League.\u201d<\/p>\n