Argentina is now a three-time World Cup winner. The world will focus its attention on the two most successful clubs in English football: Manchester United and Liverpool. Both teams have the richest histories in the English Premier League and both are for sale.
The Qatar Investment Authority could buy either club, even if it blurs the lines on its ownership of Paris Saint Germain (via The Telegraph).
The historic news of the listing of the two English soccer giants came at a time when Qatar was concerned about its ambition to host an unforgettable World Cup. Suffice it to say that the latest edition of the tournament was a success, with dramatic climaxes at each stage of the competition and the awarding of the most coveted trophy to arguably the greatest modern player of all time.
United and Liverpool fans will be keeping an eye out for news headlines about the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA)’s potential interest in the clubs.
After all, not many organizations can boast a budget that can realistically accommodate a price tag as high as £6bn for a football club.
The QIA is the nation’s pension fund, a staggering $450bn (£370bn) jackpot, the birthright of Qatar’s 300,000 citizens.
However, there are a multitude of considerations that cannot be overlooked in this potential purchase. Three of these considerations will be the question of ownership of various clubs and the size of the clubs (in terms of brand, equity and financial value), and the preferences of Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
Multi-club ownership
First of all, the QIA already owns the Champions League club PSG.
UEFA, the European governing body, has made its stance on multi-club ownership very clear, stating that no individual or entity can have control or influence over more than one club competing in the same UEFA competition.
A testament to this position is the case of Red Bull.
The multinational cut the association with his Austrian club, Red Bull Salzburg, to ensure that his German club, RB Leipzig, could also participate in the Champions League. Both teams have competed in the tournament in the last four years.
Liverpool and Manchester United are too big for America
While PSG are a formidable team on the pitch and within the confines of Ligue 1, Liverpool and United exist on a completely different plane.
The two giants of English (and European) football hold incredible cultural significance that stretches beyond British borders and generational gaps.
In short, the two clubs possess colossal intangible value and brand power across the globe.
Infinite wealth aside, the QIA is still a shrewd investor. Some of his notable acquisitions include the Shard building on London Bridge and Heathrow Terminal Four.
QIA’s investments are driven by long-term growth potential. The same investment strategy would be expected for an English football club.
playing favorites
The personal preferences of Sheikh Tamim or his father Sheikh Hamad cannot be ruled out as they will be given priority.
The Emir of Qatar, head of the monarchy, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (pictured with Lisandro Martínez), fourth son of the Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa, is a Red Devils fan.
He’s not just a fan of fair weather, but well-versed in the club’s long history.
Following the success of this year’s World Cup, football has seeped into Qatar’s collective consciousness and identity.
The purchase of a renowned English soccer club would also double as the acquisition of valuable screen time around the world. English soccer has always held a special place in the homes and hearts of soccer fans around the world.
