According to a report from the Guardian, the Emir of Qatar has plans to buy Manchester United while continuing to own French giants Paris St Germain.
It is understood that Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani is eyeing up a move to purchase the Red Devils and has no interest in claiming only a minority stake in the club.
Separate Entities
The Emir reportedly has a strategy to demonstrate to UEFA that each of the two clubs will be controlled by a separate entity.
As per UEFA rules, two clubs that are owned by the same owners cannot play against 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 viable.
The solution would be to demonstrate to UEFA that United would not be governed by the same structure and administration that is in place at PSG.
There is increasing confidence that the proposed solution will be accepted. Earlier in 2018, RB Salzburg and REB Lepizig faced each other in the Europa League despite the two clubs being owned by the same entity, Red Bull GmbH.
Nasser al-Khelaifi powerful in UEFA
Moreover, PSG’s President and Chairman of Qatar Sports Investments, Nasser al-Khelaifi is a powerful figure in UEFA and is considered to have an influence in decision-making in the governing body.
Sky Sports have also reported that private investors from Qatar have registered their interest with the Raine Group, the investment bank who are in charge of marketing United’s sale. Raine have instructed bids to be submitted by the end of next week and the report claims 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 him on United’s value. It is believed, however, that despite the Qatari interest, they will not overpay for buying United.
The Glazers expect a figure of £6bn however it is unlikely that the evaluation will be met.
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