10 February 2023 , 22:17
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The emir of Qatar is interested in buying Manchester United without relinquishing his stake in Paris Saint-Germain, it has been claimed.
UEFA rules prevent clubs with the same owners participating in the same competition. This had prompted questions over whether the emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, would be able to be part of a bid for an English club potentially active in next season's Champions League while owning PSG through Qatar Sports Investment.
United have been up for sale since November, with the Glazer family reportedly setting a soft deadline of mid-February for bids as they look for upwards of £6bn. A Qatari group has met with the current owners ahead of a potential investment, though there are also potential bidders from elsewhere including Britain's richest man Jim Ratcliffe.
According to The Guardian, the emir is not interested in a minority stake in the Premier League club. The same report suggests United and PSG would be controlled by separate entities, even if they share an owner.
PSG's current structure, with QSI in control, sees Nasser Al-Khelaifi take on the role of club president. The 49-year-old has regularly spoken on team matters, including recent contract negotiations with World Cup winning star Lionel Messi.
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In order to continue competing in the same European competitions, it would need to be proven that the clubs remain controlled by different groups and personnel. Something similar has been allowed with RB Leipzig and Red Bull Salzburg, who have an owner in common in the form of Red Bull GmbH but even went up against each other in the 2018-19 Europa League group stage.
Who do you want to see own Man Utd? Have your say in the comments section
The emir of Qatar is understood to be interested in a Man Utd takeover bid (AFP via Getty Images)Reports this week suggested there are four serious bidders in the mix for the takeover. In addition to Qatari interest and a bid involving Ratcliffe, parties from Saudi Arabia and the United States are believed to be in the mix.
Former Liverpool chairman Martin Broughton has questioned whether United's current owners will see their asking price met. The reported soft deadline of February 17, meanwhile, means some bids could yet come in after that date.
"We will evaluate all options to ensure that we best serve our fans and that Manchester United maximises the significant growth opportunities available to the Club today and in the future," part of a statement from the Glazers in November read. "Throughout this process we will remain fully focused on serving the best interests of our fans, shareholders, and various stakeholders.”
On the pitch, Manchester United sit third in the Premier League after a midweek draw at home to Leeds United. Their next game comes against the same opponents at Elland Road on Sunday afternoon.