Sir Jim Ratcliffe confronts regulatory hurdles in pursuit of Jean-Clair Todibo

Lea Hogg June 20, 2024

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the owner of Manchester United, (pictured above), has expressed his dissatisfaction with a UEFA regulation that has thwarted the club’s attempt to sign Jean-Clair Todibo from Nice. The issue stems from the fact that both Manchester United and Nice are partially owned by INEOS, raising concerns about multi-club ownership and its impact on UEFA competitions.

Todibo, a French defender who has been on Manchester United’s wishlist for some time, has been performing well for Nice since his transfer from Barcelona in 2021. His contributions helped Nice secure a fifth-place finish in Ligue 1 last season, earning them a spot in the Europa League. However, UEFA’s rules have put a damper on the potential move, as they prohibit transfers between clubs under the same ownership umbrella.

UEFA had initially granted a transitional period for the 2024/25 season, allowing both clubs to participate in the Europa League despite the shared ownership. This decision came after Ratcliffe acquired a 25% stake in Manchester United. Yet, the governing body has now decided to block any transfer dealings between the two clubs, directly affecting Todibo’s potential move to Old Trafford.

Multi-Club ownership concerns

Renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that the transfer is now “off” due to these regulations. Ratcliffe, in an interview with Bloomberg, lamented the situation, stating that while Todibo could join another Premier League team, a move to Manchester United is not permitted. He criticized the rule as being unfair to the player and questioned its purpose.

Ratcliffe also touched upon the broader challenges facing Manchester United, acknowledging that the club’s issues would not be resolved in a single transfer window. He emphasized that acquiring one high-profile player would not be the solution to the club’s problems. Despite these obstacles, Ratcliffe has made significant behind-the-scenes hires, including Manchester City CEO Omar Berrada. However, only technical director Jason Wilcox has been appointed so far.

Looking ahead, Ratcliffe is keen to appoint Dan Ashworth from Newcastle United as the new director of football. Nevertheless, he is reluctant to meet Newcastle’s compensation demands. As Manchester United navigates these complexities, Ratcliffe remains committed to prioritizing the club’s long-term success, indicating that it may take several transfer windows to achieve the desired improvements. His dedication as a lifelong fan of the Red Devils is evident, but the journey to restore the club’s former glory is proving to be a challenging one, with UEFA’s rules posing an unexpected hurdle in the transfer market.

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