Man Utd's Europa League fated decided as UEFA prepare to announce ruling on multi-club ownership

Sister clubs Man Utd and Nice both qualified for the Europa League but multi-club ownership rules put their places in jeopardy.

• Sir Jim Ratcliffe owns stakes in both Man Utd and Nice
• UEFA rules prevent both playing in same European competition
• Manchester City and Girona face a similar situation

UEFA are reportedly set to let both Manchester United and Manchester City play in the same European competitions as their sister clubs this season. According to The Times, UEFA's Club Financial Control Board (CFCB) will issue the ruling on Monday, with certain conditions attached.

Current UEFA rules mean that no clubs can play in the same competition as another club that has shared ownership. Sir Jim Ratcliffe owns French side Nice, who qualified for the Europa League this season, as did Manchester United, who he also has a minority stake in. Girona, part of the City Football Group, finished third in La Liga this season, putting them in the Champions League, alongside Manchester City.

According to The Times, UEFA will give approval to both Manchester teams to play alongside their sister clubs in Europe next season, so long as Nice and Girona are operated via a 'blind trust'. This will not be a long-term solution however, as the 2024/25 season will be seen as a transitional one.

In regards to Ratcliffe's relationship with both Manchester United and Nice, the billionaire will have a close eye on UFEA's ruling, with the governing body widely expected to be changed for future seasons. Ratcliffe and INEOS own 27.7 per cent of the Red Devils and are expected to embark on a summer of transition this year, making plenty of changes to the playing, and potentially coaching staff.