Man Utd receive final Todibo answer

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 5 Jul 2024 16:27 BST
• 3 min read

Man Utd will not be signing Jean-Clair Todibo from Nice following a ruling from Uefa.

The confederation released a statement today in relation to Man Utd and Nice affairs.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, chief of Ineos and owner of the French club, bought a large stake in the Red Devils and there were questions over the legalities of both clubs playing in future European competitions.

EXCLUSIVE: How genius Dave Brailsford builds WINNERS - the inside story Man Utd fans will LOVE

Uefa confirmed via a press release that Man Utd and Nice are not allowed to "transfer players to each other, whether permanently or on loan, directly or indirectly, from July 2024 until September 2025, with the exception of pre-existing transfer agreements" before ownership issues are investigated."

But they have allowed both clubs to play against each other in the upcoming Europa League following the implementation of "significant changes by the concerned investors" in Nice to show no one has "control or decisive influence" over both teams.

UEFA says Man United-Nice and Man City-Girona “will not transfer players to each other, whether permanently or on loan, directly or indirectly, from July 2024 until September 2025, with the exception of pre-existing transfer agreements” before they investigated ownership issues https://t.co/XJBycIZ1c4

— Rob Harris (@RobHarris) July 5, 2024

The ruling has also affected Man City and La Liga side Girona, who are each owned by City Group - those sides were given the green light to play in the Champions League in 2024/25 season.

Uefa ruling in detail

In order to comply with regulations, the owners were made to transfer their shares in the clubs to independent trustees.

The clubs have also had to agree not to transfer players to each other this season, nor can they cooperate on commercial deals or share scouting or player information.

The trust will only hold the shares until July 2025, at which point another reviewer is likely to take place.

Via BBC Sport, Ineos said: “We are pleased with the positive decision from the First Chamber of the UEFA Club Financial Control Body which will see Manchester United play in the Europa League next season.

“The focus for Manchester United is on the season ahead and performance on the pitch.”

Back in February, British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe agreed a deal to buy around 27 percent of Man Utd and take control of football operations.

Ratcliffe said: "To become co-owner of Manchester United is a great honour and comes with great responsibility.

"This marks the completion of the transaction, but just the beginning of our journey to take Manchester United back to the top of English, European and world football, with world-class facilities for our fans.