The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, has shown interest in buying Manchester United. He values the club below the Glazer family’s £6bn price. There is recognition UEFA may have to agree to a regulation change as the country’s ruler already owns Paris Saint-Germain.
The Emir purchased PSG in 2011 through Qatar Sports Investment. Current UEFA rules do not allow clubs with the same owners to face each other in one of its competitions. A Qatar-owned United and Qatar-owned PSG cannot compete in a Champions League tie.
The Glazer family put United up for sale in November, potentially bringing an end to its 17-year ownership. The Raine Group of Chelsea is the exclusive financial advisor. They believe £6bn is the right amount for the 20-times champions of England. But the emir believes £4.5bn is a more realistic price.
One of Britain’s wealthiest People, Sir Jim Ratcliffe confirmed his company, Ineos was in the race to buy United last month. He is a lifelong United supporter.
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“It’s been nearly 18 months since the hugely controversial Saudi takeover of Newcastle United and a Qatari bid for Manchester United would be yet another wake-up call to the Premier League over the need to reform its ownership rules. We’re not necessarily opposed to this. Still, the Premier League must urgently strengthen ownership rules to ensure they’re human rights-compliant and not an opportunity for more sports washing,” – said Peter Frankental, Amnesty UK’s economic affairs director.
Image – Man Utd
