Manchester United minority owner INEOS are looking to sell Nice, amid expectations that the two clubs will be given a one-season transition by Uefa to compete in the Europa League this season. Another factor is that Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to focus on United, having achieved a lifetime ambition by becoming involved with his boyhood club. One problem is that French football is currently in financial disarray, due to Ligue 1 failing to secure a broadcast partner for next season, but Nice are seen as a distinctive case due to the attractive location.
Moves are at an early stage but a number of sources state that INEOS are open to selling the French club. Ratcliffe’s group completed takeover of 27.7% of United earlier this year, having bought Nice in 2019. They are currently facing their first complications from such multi-ownership, with both teams having qualified for the 2024-25 Europa League. Uefa are currently facing immense challenges from the spread of multi-club ownership across the world, and still attempting to navigate rulings on how such connections should work.
