Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham believes nobody is “quite comfortable” with Qatar’s potential takeover of Manchester United.
Manchester United have been up on the market since November final yr, with Qatari royal Sheikh Jassim’s Nine Two Foundation and Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS as the 2 fundamental contenders.
United followers hoped the sale would shut by the tip of final season, though they remained pissed off as a decision to the saga seems to be a good distance off.
The American household has been ready for a better asking value and each events are ready for a response on whether or not they would be the most well-liked bidder.
Burnham has admitted he’s involved in regards to the potential of a Qatar takeover, however recommended wider questions ought to be requested about how Premier League golf equipment are funded.
Manchester United was put up on the market in November, however a fast repair is not but in sight
Sheikh Jassim of Qatar (pictured) and Sir Jim Ratcliffe are the 2 fundamental bidders for the membership
Manchester mayor Andy Burnham believes nobody is ‘quite comfortable’ in regards to the prospect of United’s potential takeover of Qatar
“These are questions that everyone should embrace in this Premier League era,” stated Burnham Global’s The News Agents podcast when requested in regards to the prospect of Qatari possession of United.
“I don’t think anyone is completely comfortable with it and I’m going to be very clear about that.
“But the Premier League has sort of moved to a place where, is all the money clean in any Premier League club? There are associations with regimes around the world. That’s how it is now, isn’t it?
“Obviously we don’t have an outcome yet on the ownership of Manchester United. I think a lot of people in this city would tell you that there is a lot wrong with the current ownership regime there, in terms of the money that has been taken out of Manchester United over the last decade.
Qatar’s human rights record, including workers’ and women’s rights, was questioned long before Sheikh Jassim’s intention to buy Manchester United became known – with concerns over the hosting of last year’s World Cup in the Gulf state.
When asked if he was uncomfortable with the prospect of Qatari ownership because of the human rights concerns, he said, “I think there’s a differentiation, don’t there.
‘You can’t solve those problems from here, can you? Those are issues for the British government talking to the Qataris. Those human rights issues must be addressed at that level and that was done through the World Cup.’
Mail Sport reported earlier this month that they fear the Glazers will not sell the club after falling short of their £6bn valuation from the Red Devils.
Fans fear the Glazers could be in power at Manchester United for another 18 months
The Glazers will be in power before the start of the new season, and a leading supporter group has expressed fears the saga could drag on for 18 months.
The 1958 Group, the match-goers’ group responsible for leading the current protests against the club’s ownership, believe long-term involvement by the Glazers will leave a ‘bitter taste’ in the mouths of many.
Speaking to BBC Sport, the 1958 reps pointed to the sale of Newcastle in 2021 and admitted the potential takeover at United could take just as long.
“Look how long it took Newcastle to go through,” they stated.
“That was £300 million and Mike Ashley wished to promote. That took 18 months. This is probably a £6bn takeover and also you’ve received six Glazer siblings to please. (So far) it has been eight months. It’s irritating, however it will possibly take a yr. It might be 18 months.’