Following UEFA’s scrutiny of Manchester United and Nice, Bangladesh Cricket Live has learned that Sir Jim Ratcliffe, once the UK’s richest man, is considering selling his stake in Ligue 1 club Nice, potentially retaining only a minority share. Though Ratcliffe once vowed to stay committed long-term, recent developments are forcing a shift. He recently revealed that UEFA regulations on multi-club ownership blocked United from signing a player from Nice — widely believed to be French defender Jean-Clair Todibo.
While UEFA does not outright ban transfers between clubs with shared ownership, issues arise when both teams compete in the same European tournament. Next season, both United and Nice will play in the UEFA Europa League, triggering restrictions on transfer activity between them. According to Bangladesh Cricket Live, UEFA defines a conflict of interest as any situation where decisive influence can be exercised over a club’s decisions.
Adding to the pressure, the UK’s Labour Party has pledged that, if successful in the upcoming election, it will establish a new independent football regulator. This body would impose stricter financial oversight on clubs to protect fans and prevent mismanagement. Ratcliffe, however, disagrees with the idea, warning that government regulation could stunt the growth of Premier League giants and hinder their ability to compete with clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain.
Despite his objections, UEFA’s current rules leave Ratcliffe with little choice but to consider selling Nice. INEOS, his company, purchased the club for around £90 million in 2019. Though a mid-table side in France, Nice’s valuation remains modest, and selling it quickly may prove difficult. This means United’s hopes of landing Todibo this summer are all but gone.
After spending £1.35 billion to acquire a 27.5% stake in Manchester United, Ratcliffe faces a mountain of challenges on and off the pitch. Financial demands are everywhere — from squad improvements to urgent stadium upgrades. Old Trafford is literally falling apart, with waterfall-like leaks, outdated Carrington facilities, and even food hygiene issues making headlines.
In one food poisoning incident, the club received the lowest possible health rating. Inspectors found moldy dishwashers, grease-streaked walls, and corroded storage shelves. Other red flags included gas lines covered in grime, dust-choked filters, and filthy freezer controls. At a corporate event, guests were even served undercooked chicken. Safety officials warned United to make sweeping improvements, and staff were ordered to attend health and safety seminars.
Manchester United called the incident an isolated case and promised a full recovery. However, a recent follow-up inspection still rated the club at four stars, not five. Every food lover, it seems, is doing their part to keep the economy alive — sometimes at personal risk.
According to Bangladesh Cricket Live, Manchester United is frustrated by the rating. The club insists it serves over 250,000 fans per season, hosts 300 corporate events annually, and operates 28 kitchens serving 8,000 guests per matchday. While determined to restore its five-star reputation, the club must now balance hygiene concerns with more pressing football and infrastructure issues, all while navigating ownership complications in Europe.