Manchester City and Manchester United Secure European Spots

In 2023, Manchester City clinched their maiden Champions League title.

Manchester City and Manchester United have been given the green light to participate in European competitions next season following resolution of ownership conflicts involving Girona and Nice, respectively. However, UEFA has barred Manchester United from signing highly-regarded Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo due to shared ownership concerns. City Football Group owns Manchester City and Girona, while INEOS oversees Manchester United and Nice. UEFA regulations prohibit clubs under the same ownership from competing in the same tournament.

The UEFA Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) announced that significant changes at Girona and Nice will limit investors’ influence, with shares transferred to independent trustees for oversight. Both City Football Group and INEOS Group agreed to maintain club independence until September 2025, including refraining from player transfers between clubs. This prevents United from acquiring Todibo, a target valued at £40 million by Ineos.

Despite these restrictions, Manchester City’s pursuit of Brazilian winger Savio remains unaffected as he returns to parent club Troyes after his Girona loan expired on June 30. A source from City Football Group affirmed compliance with all UEFA directives regarding Girona’s operations. INEOS expressed satisfaction with UEFA’s decision allowing Manchester United to participate in the Europa League, emphasizing the club’s focus on upcoming on-field performance.

Manchester City continues their 14th consecutive Champions League campaign, while Girona, under CFG ownership, qualified for their debut UEFA competition by securing third place in La Liga. Nice, also under Ineos control, narrowly missed Champions League qualification last season, finishing fifth in Ligue 1. Manchester United secured their Europa League place by defeating Premier League champions Manchester City in the FA Cup final.

Future developments will hinge on the retransfer of shares in July 2025, where UEFA will reassess club independence and investor influence.