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Manchester United Morning News:Club sold to Qatari Sheikh



After months of speculation and negotiations, Manchester United have finally been sold to Qatari Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani for a reported fee of £6 billion. The deal marks the end of the Glazer family's 18-year ownership of the club, which was marred by protests and debts.


Sheikh Jassim, who is the chairman of Qatar Islamic Bank and a member of the royal family, made his fifth and final offer for 100% of the club last week, giving the Glazers an ultimatum to accept it by Friday or he would walk away. The Glazers, who had put the club on the market in November, decided to accept the offer after consulting with Paris St-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, who is also a Qatari businessman and a friend of Sheikh Jassim.


Sheikh Jassim beat out the competition from Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the owner of Ineos Group, who was also interested in buying a controlling stake in United. Ratcliffe, who is Britain's richest man, had reportedly been in talks with the Glazers over a possible partnership, but could not match Sheikh Jassim's bid.


Sheikh Jassim said he was delighted to become the new owner of Manchester United, one of the most successful and popular clubs in the world. He said he was a lifelong fan of the club and had followed their fortunes since he was a child. He said he was committed to investing in the club's future, both on and off the pitch, and to restoring its glory.


"I am honoured and humbled to be the new owner of Manchester United. This is a dream come true for me and my family. Manchester United is more than just a club, it is an institution with a rich history and a passionate fan base. I have always admired the club's values, traditions and achievements, and I am determined to uphold them and enhance them," he said in a statement.


"I have great respect for the manager Erik ten Hag and his staff, and I will support them fully in their vision and ambitions. I also want to thank the players for their professionalism and dedication, and I look forward to seeing them perform at their best. I will also work closely with the fans and the local community to ensure that Manchester United remains a force for good in society."


Sheikh Jassim said he had already set aside a separate fund for player recruitment, infrastructure improvements and other development projects. He said he would consult with ten Hag and other key stakeholders on how to spend the money wisely and effectively.


He also said he would respect the club's heritage and identity, and would not make any drastic changes to its name, badge or colours. He said he would keep Old Trafford as the club's home ground, but would explore options to expand its capacity and facilities.


He added that he would also seek to improve the club's relations with other clubs, leagues and governing bodies, especially in Europe. He said he was opposed to any breakaway plans such as the European Super League, which United were part of before withdrawing amid backlash from fans and authorities.


"I believe that Manchester United belongs to the highest level of European football, where it can compete with the best clubs in the world. I also believe that football should be fair, inclusive and democratic, where every club has a chance to succeed based on merit and performance. I will work with UEFA and other stakeholders to ensure that these principles are upheld and respected," he said.


Sheikh Jassim's takeover of Manchester United is expected to be completed by the end of June, subject to regulatory approvals and other formalities. He will become the first Qatari owner of a Premier League club, following in the footsteps of his compatriots who own PSG in France and Malaga in Spain.



Image Attribute:Image by nmoodley from Pixabay.

 

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