Man Utd takeover news: Confusion over Qatari bid as deadline looms

There is confusion surrounding which Qatari group is considering buying Manchester United.

The news of interest from the Gulf State was first reported by the Daily Mail who claimed that ‘Qatari investors are planning an incredible mega-money swoop’ for the Red Devils, with significant funds to be made available for transfers and to revamp Old Trafford or build a new state-of-the-art stadium.

But since then, various reports have differed regarding the make-up of the interested party from Qatar. The Times claims the Qatari royal family are keen to purchase United, with Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), the owners of Paris Saint-Germain, not involved in the bid.

According to the Guardian, the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, is personally interested in buying United. They add the emir oversees QSI, meaning it would go against Uefa rules for him to own two clubs. However, the Guardian add that ‘a solution is being sought’ which could involve ‘adjusting or changing Uefa regulations’.

Meanwhile, PA reports that ‘QSI is understood to be working alongside a consortium of international investors’ to purchase a minority stake in the Red Devils. A full takeover is not said to be possible due to QSI’s ongoing commitment to PSG.

The reports surrounding Qatar come as human rights campaigners Amnesty International have warned against a Middle-Eastern takeover, and stated this should serve as another ‘wake-up call’ for the Premier League.

“Coming in the wake of the World Cup and strenuous efforts from the Qatari government to fashion a glitzy new image for the country, it seems highly likely that any Qatari bid for Manchester United would be a continuation of this state-backed sportswashing project,” said Peter Frankental, Amnesty UK’s economic affairs director.

“We saw only limited reforms on migrant workers’ rights in Qatar in the lead-up to the World Cup, and there’s been no movement whatsoever in ending the disgraceful criminalisation of LGBTQ+ people or institutional discrimination against women.

“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 the involvement of state-linked overseas financial consortia in English football, but the Premier League must urgently strengthen ownership rules to ensure they’re human rights-compliant and not an opportunity for more sportswashing.”

Interested parties have until 17 February to submit an official offer for United, with the Glazers said to be hoping for a price of between £6bn-£8bn. But at present, Sir Jim Ratcliffe is the only party to have officially declared his interest.

As per the Telegraph, there is interest from US bidders and ‘and a mystery Arabic investment group’. However, the Ricketts family, who bid for Chelsea last year, are reportedly not among the potential buyers.