Soccer - UEFA gives the green light for multi-club ownership
Manchester City from England and FC Girona from Spain can participate in the Champions League, as well as Manchester United from France and OGC Nice in the Europa League, according to the Financial Fair Play Committee of the Union of European Football Associations (FFP).
Previously, the FFP had initiated proceedings due to a potential conflict with the rule of overarching ownership in Article 5 of the UEFA Club Competitions Regulations, which states that two clubs with the same owner cannot participate in the same competition.
Manchester City and Girona are part of the City Football Group. The Abu Dhabi-based investment firm from the United Arab Emirates, which controls the group, owns numerous football clubs worldwide. Manchester United (partially) and Nice (fully) are part of the chemical company Ineos, owned by British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe.
The UEFA announced that the clubs have made "significant changes" in management and structure, ensuring compliance with the regulations. No one has "control over or decisive influence on more than one club," and no one is involved in the management of more than one club, it was further stated.
The UEFA has faced similar decisions regarding Multi-Club Ownership in the past. For instance, in 2017, Red Bull Salzburg and RB Leipzig were allowed to participate in UEFA competitions. Critics, however, argue that the integrity of the game is at risk.
- Despite being part of the same investment firm, Manchester City and FC Girona will both represent their respective countries in the Champions League, as per the FFP's decisions.
- OGC Nice, managed by British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe's Ineos, will participate in the Europa League, joining Manchester United from France.
- In light of the Financial Fair Play Committee's new rulings, English powerhouse Manchester City and Spanish side FC Girona are now clear to compete in international competitions such as the Champions League.
- The agreement between UEFA and Manchester United and OGC Nice ensures that there's no conflict of interest, adhering to the rule of overarching ownership in Article 5 of the UEFA Club Competitions Regulations.
- UEFA has allowed Manchester City and FC Girona, both part of the City Football Group, to participate in separate competitions, demonstrating a shift in the organization's stance on Multi-Club Ownership.
- Spanish club Girona and their English counterpart Manchester City have successfully navigated the FFP's regulations, allowing them to take part in the coveted Champions League, while OGC Nice is set to feature in the Europa League.
- UEFA's decision to endorse Manchester United and OGC Nice, owned by similar entities, in separate European competitions, opens up opportunities for clubs with diverse ownership structures in international tournaments.
