08 February 2019, Jamie Jackson, a well-known reporter from Guardian Manchester, wrote a column, revealing the acquisition of Manchester United
the latest situation.
The Emir of Qatar bought Paris through Qatar Sports Investment in 2011 and current UEFA rules do not allow clubs owned by the same owner to play against each other in a Champions League match, so if such a match were to occur, the Qataris would have
Manchester United and Qatari-owned Paris Saint-Germain will not be allowed to play in the Champions League.
While the United takeover is in the works, those driving Qatar’s interest are understandably aware of UEFA’s rules and are seeking a solution.
That could include trying to persuade UEFA to consider the possibility of tweaking or changing its rules.
The Glazers put United up for sale in November, announcing they “began the process of exploring strategic options” that could end their 17-year ownership of the club.
The Raine Group, which is in charge of the Chelsea sale, has been appointed as exclusive financial adviser and believes the 20-time English champions need a sale price of £6bn to complete the sale.
However, the emir believes £4.5bn is a more realistic price.
The second problem now is that Amnesty International has described Qatar’s interest in Manchester United as “another wake-up call” for the Premier League in terms of tightening ownership rules.
Peter Frankenthal, director of economic affairs at Amnesty International UK, said: “Nearly 18 months after the controversial Saudi takeover of Newcastle United, Qatar’s takeover of Manchester United will serve as another wake-up call to reform the Premier League’s ownership rules.
… We are not necessarily against state-linked overseas financial syndicates getting involved in the business of English football, but the Premier League must immediately strengthen ownership rules to ensure they are in line with human rights and not more sporting corruption.”