Manchester United announce Ed Woodward replacement with key appointment in Europe
Man Utd director Jean-Claude Blanc has been appointed to two European boards to offer his expertise.
Manchester United director Jean-Claude Blanc has been appointed to the boards of the European Club Association (ECA) and UEFA’s Club Competition (UCC) Board of Administration.
Claude Blanc has a longstanding relationship with Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who gained control over football operations at United after officially acquiring a minority stake in February.
The Frenchman was added to United's board alongside Sir Dave Brailsford and the pair have offered strategic advice, working with CEO Omar Berrada and sporting director Dan Ashworth.
The UCC is a subsidiary of UEFA and makes recommendations to the UEFA Club Competitions Committee on strategic matters for its consideration before being referred for approval.
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United were last represented on a European panel by former vice executive chairman Ed Woodward, who stood down from his position after the European Super League fiasco.
Woodward, who had significant input into the discussions around a revamped Champions League, left his role on UEFA's Professional Football Strategy Council in April 2021.
Claud Blanc will be involved in similar conversations over the future of club football in Europe and his appointment to the UCC and ECA will only help his political clout.
The 61-year-old said: “It is an honour to join these important boards and contribute to the effective governance of European club football and its competitions.
"These appointments demonstrate our commitment to playing a positive role within both UEFA and the ECA and further strengthen the relationships Manchester United enjoys across the European game.”
In the summer, UEFA announced that OGC Nice and United would both be allowed to compete in the Europa League after they were able to demonstrate to the governing body that they had enacted changes that were in compliance with the multi-club ownership rule.
Ratcliffe bought Nice in 2019 and UEFA regulations state clubs that are owned by the same owners will not be allowed to compete in the same UEFA competitions, but it's thought United held talks with UEFA officials and received assurances the issue would be resolved.
Claud Blanc's appointment is expected to give United presence in important European discussions again.