UEFA allows “sister” clubs to participate in European competitions

European football’s governing body UEFA has announced a decision allowing clubs Manchester City and Girona, as well as Manchester United and Nice, to participate in European competitions in the 2024-25 season, the The Athletic this Friday (5.Jul.2024).

The move follows a relaxation of rules on multiple club ownership, which were adjusted ahead of changes to next season’s competitions. Traditionally, UEFA prohibits an individual or legal entity from having “control or influence” over more than one club in its competitions, in order to preserve the integrity of the tournaments.

City Football Group (CFG), which owns 47% of Girona, and Ineos, which owns Nice and has a minority stake in Manchester United, have made significant changes to their governance and financial support structures.

These changes aim to limit the influence of investors over clubs, as required by UEFA. As a result, it has been confirmed that both pairs of clubs will be able to compete in European competitions without violating the multi-club ownership rule.

Girona have announced changes to their board of directors, with new members replacing previous ones, while UEFA has stipulated that the clubs involved “will not transfer players between themselves, either permanently or on loan, from July 2024 until September 2025”with the exception of pre-existing agreements.

Ineos expressed satisfaction with UEFA’s decision, highlighting Manchester United’s focus on next season and on performance on the pitch.