Manchester United’s minority owner INEOS is looking to sell sister club Nice

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Manchester United’s minority owner INEOS is looking to sell Nice amid expectations that the two clubs will be granted 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 lifelong ambition by being involved with his boyhood club. One problem is that French football is currently in financial disarray, with Ligue 1 failing to secure a broadcast partner for next season, but Nice is seen as a case in point due to its attractive location.

The moves are at an early stage, but a number of sources say INEOS is open to selling the French club. Ratcliffe’s group completed their takeover of 27.7% of United earlier this year after buying Nice in 2019. They are currently facing the first complications from this timeshare, with both teams having qualified for the 2024-25 Europa League . UEFA currently faces huge challenges due to the spread of ownership by multiple clubs around the world and is still trying to navigate rulings on how such connections should work.

The expected temporary solution for next season is for Nice to be placed in a “blind trust”, which is what was used last season to bypass Red Bird Capital’s ownership of AC Milan and Toulouse. However, this is only considered a one-season measure, with Uefa prepared to warn that the rules will be much stricter in 2025-26.

In this context, INEOS is open to selling Nice. A huge complicating factor is the collapse of Ligue 1’s domestic TV market, with no broadcaster yet to agree. Forecasts have dropped from potentially €1 billion deals to just €500 million. The situation remains unresolved with concerns about how quickly a new agreement can be reached.

Other takeover plans have stalled, with clubs already downgrading revenue expectations. Another perspective is that it could be an opportune time to buy a club with huge potential in a highly attractive location on the south coast of France. INEOS also owns Swiss club Lausanne-Sport, but they have not qualified for Europe.

INEOS have been contacted for comment.