Connect with us

Manchester United

Ten Premier League clubs want nation-state linked takeovers blocked amid Man United plans

Ten Premier League clubs are lobbying to block takeovers closely linked to nation-states, reports The Athletic.

The chairman of Qatar Islamic Bank Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani has tabled a bid to buy Manchester United.

However, Arsenal executive vice-chair Tim Lewis and co want to stop it from happening.

The clubs are looking at rules around ownership, but the subject is yet to be discussed at the shareholder meetings.

Nevertheless, something is brewing behind the scenes and senior figures from clubs like the idea.

Despite being the son of Qatar’s former prime minister, Sheikh Jassim wants to buy Man United privately.

He is funding the proposed acquisition of the Red Devils via his Nine Two Foundation.

However, some clubs believe allowing such a takeover to go through will threaten the competitive balance.

Manchester City have been a force to be reckoned with following their takeover by the Abu Dhabi United Group in 2008.

Newcastle United are slowly following suit after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) acquired the club.

Man United fans are already rubbing their hands together at the prospect of having the Qataris in charge.

The Raine Group have received revised offers from Sheikh Jassim and the other bidders.

They are now waiting for the next course of action. A preferred bidder could be named or a third round of offers could be demanded.

The group of Premier League clubs will look to quickly move to block the QIB chairman from owning United.

They also want stronger controls over related-party sponsorship deals.