Manchester United’s ownership saga is nearing a close, with the Qatari bid led by Sheikh Jassim now in the process of negotiating exclusivity with the club, according to Reuters. These reports should now bring the Glazers’ tenure at Old Trafford to a close, with fans looking forward to a new regime.
Manchester United Ownership Transition Agreed
What Could Qatari Ownership Mean for Manchester United?
There are a few things that Qatari ownership could mean for the Red Devils, the first of which is a change in emphasis from the club’s owners. Where the previous regime operated the club in a profitable way and generated money for their shareholders, this is likely to be less of a concern for a member of the Qatari royal family and the chair of Qatar Islamic Bank. Fans could expect to see a lot more investment through a “sportswashing” strategy as has been seen at Newcastle United.
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In practice, this means a lot more investment in players, improving facilities at the club and boosting Manchester United’s brand. Middle Eastern states are following this strategy to improve their image, and as a result, will seek to make the club as visible as possible.
Who is Sheikh Jassim?
Sheikh Jassim, or Jassim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, is a member of the Qatari royal family. He was formerly heir to the throne of Qatar before abdicating his role in 2003. However, Jassim remains a prominent figure in Qatari political life, holding a key role in the financial sector, being on the board at Qatar Foundation and acting as a patron of Qatar’s Aspire Academy. Whilst this looks like an individual making a purchase on the face of it, the move is heavily state-backed.
Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons user J WILLIAMS
