UEFA blocks Manchester United from signing highly-rated defender

Manchester United’s pursuit of Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo has hit a regulatory snag due to UEFA’s stringent rules, prompting Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the club’s new minority owner through INEOS, to criticise UEFA’s regulations.

UEFA regulations prohibit transfers involving related parties between clubs competing in the same European competition. With INEOS owning both Nice, set to participate in the Europa League, and holding a stake in Manchester United, any potential transfer of Todibo to Old Trafford is currently barred.