Sir Jim Ratcliffe's takeover of a 25% stake at Manchester United could reportedly result in the Premier League side being banned from the Champions League next season due to a contravention of UEFA rules.
The deal for Ratcliffe to purchase a minority stake in the club is believed to be nearing completion, with the British billionaire set to take over full control of all football operations at Old Trafford.
The INEOS chief, who is set to acquire a stake in the club for what is understood to be in the region of £1.3bn, also owns Ligue 1 side Nice.
According to a report from the Sun, if both teams finish in the Champions League qualification spots at the end of the season, the team that finishes higher in their respective division will be awarded entry to the competition, while the other will be banned.
The report adds that UEFA's multi-club ownership rules state that teams owned by the same party must be prevented from playing in the same competition, according to Article 5.02 of UEFA's regulations.
That means the only way in which both the Red Devils and the Eaglets could play in Europe next season is if one side qualifies for the Champions League and the other enters the Conference League.
In the event that both sides finish in the same position in their domestic leagues, United will gain entry to the Champions League ahead of the French outfit due to England ranking at the top of UEFA's access list.
With the new expanded Champions League group stage to be implemented next season, the Premier League is in line to be granted five automatic Champions League spots, while Ligue 1 will receive three automatic entry spots and one playoff place.
Devesh Jaganath
