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ARTICLE · 19 JULY 2024

A Late Substitution? When Will UEFA Officially Update Its MCO's Rules?

Memery Crystal
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This article updates the ongoing multi-club ownership (MCO) cases involving Manchester City and Girona, and Manchester United and Nice, as they seek compliance with UEFA rules. It highlights potential divestment strategies and UEFA's transitional rules, anticipating stricter MCO regulations for the 2025/26 season.

United KingdomAntitrust/Competition Law
Christopher Allen
Christopher Allen
Andy Hughes
Andy Hughes
James Bateman
James Bateman
Jack Rudgeley
Jack Rudgeley
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At a glance

Following the first article in our series discussing multi-club ownership ("MCO") in the world of football, in this second instalment, we will provide an update on Manchester City Football Club ("Manchester City") and Spanish club Girona Futbol Club, S.A.D ("Girona") and their ongoing case. We will also look at the latest developments with Manchester United Football Club ("Manchester United") and French club, OGC Nice ("Nice"), which are subject to the same ownership since INEOS' acquisition of 27.7% of Manchester United in February this year, and have both qualified for the same UEFA competition.

We will review which divestment option has been reportedly chosen by the owners of the Manchester clubs, as they seek to demonstrate that they have not breached Article 5 of UEFA's rules and that no such "control or influence" exists in more than one club qualifying in the same UEFA competition.

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