The sovereign wealth fund of Qatar is considering purchasing a small minority share in a Premier League team, with Manchester United being of most interest.
Although a full takeover of an English team is not currently anticipated, the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) is reportedly considering buying a stake that may be approximately 10%, according to industry gossip.
The club’s current owners, the Glazer family, declared in November that it is open to new investment or a full sale bid. The emir of Qatar is rumoured to be a fan of the Reds and a fan of taking a small stake.
Shares of the club have risen recently due to speculation regarding a potential full sale to investors. One of the UK’s richest individuals, petrochemicals billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has also said he is interested in acquiring the club.
However, with ongoing fan protests against the Glazers and the record 20-time league champions who have gone a decade without winning the Premier League, it is claimed that QIA does not desire complete ownership of the club.
Officials from Qatar have also discussed investments in Liverpool and Tottenham.
However, the Fenway Sports Group stated in November that it would be open to sell Liverpool, while Tottenham has distanced itself from a sale to Qatar.
Through Qatar Sports Investment, Qatar already owns a significant stake in French champions Paris Saint-Germain.
Two teams with common control are prohibited from playing each other in the same competitions due to investments and European football rules.
Despite the fact that both QIA and Qatar Sports Investments are supported by the hydrocarbon wealth of the Gulf country, they are nominally independent entities.
Qatar has already invested billions of pounds in Britain.
Tens of billions of pounds have already been invested by the QIA in properties including the London’s Shard and Heathrow Airport, as well as Sainsbury’s and other businesses.
According to industry speculation, Qatar is now interested in growing its portfolio of sporting ventures as a result of its successful hosting of this year’s World Cup.