Qatar – Global football has been gripped by controversy over the details of the sale of one of the world’s most famous clubs. This came after the American Glazer family, owners of English club Manchester United, announced their intention to relinquish full or partial ownership of the club. There is widespread speculation about who will win this deal, one of the most famous in the world of sports.
Transaction value
Many observers have confirmed that the deal is valued at between $6 and $7 billion. These figures attracted bids from major investors, most notably from Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani—son of the former Qatari prime minister. Sheikh Jassim entered the race strongly through his Nine Two Foundation. He submitted an offer to purchase the club in full and pay off its debts, which amounted to approximately one billion pounds sterling.
Qatari offers
According to reports from Al Jazeera and Sky Sports, the Qatari offer included a comprehensive plan to develop the club’s infrastructure. It also included investment in the academy and fan-support sector. Many fans welcomed the offer, seeing it as an opportunity to restore the team’s glory after its declining results over the past decade.
sudden withdrawal
However, the surprise came when Sheikh Jassim withdrew from the race in October 2024. This came after months of arduous negotiations with the Glazer family.
The Guardian newspaper revealed that the reason for the withdrawal was due to the American owners’ refusal to complete the sale. Meanwhile, Sheikh Jassim insisted on purchasing the club 100%.
This withdrawal paved the way for British businessman Sir Jim Ratcliffe, owner of the INEOS Group, to acquire approximately 27% of the club’s shares in early 2025. The deal was partial, allowing him to manage the sporting affairs without taking full control of the club.
Is Sheikha Moza part of the deal?
Some reports circulated on social media that Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, the mother of Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim, was among the parties interested in the purchase.
However, according to websites such as FourFourTwo and Football365, there is no official evidence or documents confirming its direct or indirect involvement in the negotiations.
Observers believe the association between her name and the deal stems from her international standing and prominent role in supporting educational and cultural projects. Furthermore, her participation in the Qatari sports landscape is symbolically significant following the success of the 2022 World Cup.
However, British reports confirmed that Sheikh Jassim’s bid was independent of the Qatar Investment Authority, which owns the French club Paris Saint-Germain. The independence was intended to avoid a conflict of interest with UEFA regulations.
Economic and political dimensions
The deal demonstrates how sports have become a platform for political and economic influence in international relations. Qatar’s success in owning a club the size of Manchester United would have enhanced its status as a soft power. It is using sports to expand its global presence, similar to its experience hosting the 2022 World Cup.
Analysts believe that the Qatari bid was not solely aimed at commercial gain. Instead, it aimed at enhancing Qatar’s image as a sponsor of global sports. This comes in the face of growing Saudi influence in European football through the Saudi Public Investment Fund, which owns Newcastle United.
The situation in Britain
In Britain, a portion of the public welcomed the offer of British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe. He acquired approximately 25% of the club’s shares in February 2024. This move was seen to preserve the club’s British identity. However, many fans expressed disappointment at the withdrawal of the Qatari investor, who had promised to return the club to the top.
Manchester United’s future
To this day, the club’s management remains in a transitional phase between owners. Speculation continues that negotiations with the Qatari authorities could resume if the Glazer family decides to sell additional stakes.
Experts believe that economic developments in Europe and the decline in the market value of some major clubs may once again open the door to new Gulf investments in English clubs.
As for Sheikha Moza, talk of her participation remains an unconfirmed media rumor. This is despite her use as a symbol of Qatar’s influence in culture and sports.
