Manchester United have been handed a boost with Qatari investors getting the green light for their takeover bid from UEFA, Daily Mail report.
The Glazers have set a soft deadline of February 17 for interested investors, but it is unclear whether they are prepared to accept a complete takeover.
It is now reported that UEFA’s Club Financial Control Body is likely to legitimise dual ownership so long as two teams have separate management and distinct corporate structures.
A precedent has already been set with Red Bull Salzburg and RB Leipzig playing in the Champions League despite being owned by the same sports drink company in Red Bull GmbH.
Hence, the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim, is likely to support any Qatari investment for United. UEFA have no issues so long as he is only a symbolic and hands-off figure in the process.
Sheikh Tamim already owns Paris Saint-Germain through Qatar Sports Investment (QSI).
Qatari investors have to meet Glazers’ demands for takeover
The Glazers are currently holding out for at least £5 billion to end their long-term association with United. This would be a record fee for any sports team in history.
The figure will certainly put off many individual investors. Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made his interest public but he is currently exploring the option of taking a loan.
In our opinion, a takeover from Sir Jim may not be suit United as future investment could be limited from the fact that there will be more debts to be settled.
Hence, the takeover could happen from a Qatari or Middle East consortium. As things stand, it could be from the former with the Emir of Qatar playing a key role.
A wealthy group of Qatari investors consider United as ‘football’s crown jewels‘ and are reportedly confident of winning the bidding battle for a takeover.
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