According to a Guardian report, the emir of Qatar has plans to buy Manchester United while still owning French giant Paris St Germain.
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani is understood to be considering a move to buy the Red Devils and has no interest in claiming just a minority stake in the club.
separate entities
The Emir reportedly has a strategy to prove to UEFA that each of the two clubs will be controlled by a separate entity.
Under UEFA rules, two clubs belonging to the same owners cannot play each other in the same competition.
However, it is believed that the Qataris are aware of this rule and are working on a solution that they believe is workable.
The solution would be to show UEFA that United would not be governed by the same structure and administration as PSG.
There is increasing confidence that the proposed solution will be accepted. In early 2018, RB Salzburg and REB Lepizig met in the Europa League despite the two clubs being owned by the same entity, Red Bull GmbH.
Nasser al-Khelaifi, powerful in UEFA
In addition, PSG president and Qatar Sports Investments chairman Nasser al-Khelaifi is a powerful figure in UEFA and is seen as having influence in the decision-making of the governing body.
Sky Sports has also reported that private investors from Qatar have registered their interest in Raine Group, the investment bank that is in charge of marketing the sale of United. Raine has ordered bids to be submitted by the end of next week and the report states that at least four serious bids are expected.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is currently one of them and is working closely with JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs to advise on United’s value. It is believed, however, that despite Qatar’s interest, they will not overpay to buy United.
The Glazers are expecting a figure of £6bn, however the assessment is unlikely to come to pass.
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