Man Utd could be barred from competing in Europa League next season as strict deadline revealed

A deadline has been set for Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS regarding Manchester United's Europa League participation.

Man United beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final to not only secure a piece of silverware but also Europa League qualification.

It comes after Erik ten Hag's side missed out on Europe entirely through the Premier League, having finished in eighth place.

But their 2024/25 campaign will feature European fixtures.

However, which European competition remains to be seen as the Red Devils could be barred from competing in the Europa League.

That issue is in the form of Nice, who are also owned by Ratcliffe and INEOS (a majority stake, rather than the minority share they hold in Man United).

Nice secured fifth place in Ligue 1, qualifying for the Europa League in the process.

Though UEFA ownership regulations state that two clubs who are controlled by the same party cannot compete in the same competition.

The rule usually applies to the team that finishes lowest in the league - in this case Man United.

Erik ten Hag celebrates winning the FA Cup. Image: Getty

According to The Telegraph, Ratcliffe and his INEOS group have until Monday to satisfy UEFA that Man United and Nice should both be allowed to compete in the Europa League next season.

An independent panel is due to rule on the matter before the Europa League qualifying rounds begin in July.

If a solution is not found, Man United would be demoted to the Europa Conference League since they finished in a lower league position than Nice.

INEOS are in direct talks with UEFA over the situation and said they were 'confident' that the scenario would be resolved ahead of the new season.

"We are aware of the position of both clubs and are in direct dialogue with UEFA." the statement read. "We are confident we have a route forward for next season in Europe."