Manchester United Takeover: Al-Khelaifi Denies Any Role In Sheikh Jassim’s Bid

Manchester United Takeover: Nasser Al-Khelaifi, PSG President, has confirmed that he doesn’t have a hand in the bid.

Futballnews understands that Al-Khelaifi was contacted by the Glazer family a month ago as they tried to get Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani to increase his offer.

The contact with Al-Khelaifi further led to speculations that the Qatari was involved in Sheikh Jassim’s bid.

Sheikh Jassim on the other hand, has reiterated several times that his offer was coming from a personal standpoint.

Manchester United owners had talks with PSG chairman about Sheikh Jassim’s bid as they spoke in Istanbul before the Champions League final.

However, after a meeting of the influential European Clubs’ Association (ECA) which Al-Khelaifi chairs, he revealed that he is only involved in PSG matters.

Al-Khelaifi stated that “Paris St-Germain is my club, in my heart, and I have nothing to do with Manchester United.”

“It makes me laugh. I am Qatari, right? If people ask me my opinion, I will answer them for sure – and that’s what they do.”

“I am talking about anyone, not just Manchester United. I will give them the experience that I have. That’s it.”

Sheikh Jassim submitted his fifth bid for Manchester United, which is still being discussed after he confirmed he will halt the process last weekend.

The Qatari banker wants to buy 100% of United while Sir Jim Ratcliffe – a rival bidder – is willing to buy a majority stake, which would allow the Glazer family to retain ownership in some capacity.

Al Khelaifi, who is also the chairman of beIN Sport – a state-owned broadcasting outfit based in Doha – also owns Qatari Sports Investments.

The Qatari has shown his willingness to offer advice by revealing last month he spoke to a wealthy group who wanted to know more about potential investment in two English clubs.

“I’m not going to mention them but one was small, the other big,” Al Khelaifi added. “I don’t know who the guy was. But I told him my opinion.”

Al-Khelaifi further denied meeting with Raine Group who are handling the Manchester United sale process, saying he welcomes new investment into the game, from Qatar or anywhere.

“I want the best for European competitions,” the Qatari said.

“If it’s within the regulation, why not? Not only Qatari, everyone,” Al-Khelaifi concluded.

Who Is Nasser Al-Khelaifi?

Nasser bin Ghanim Al-Khelaifi is a Qatari businessman who hails from Qatar and was born on 12 November 1973.

He is the chairman of beIN Media Group, chairman of Qatar Sports Investments, president of Paris Saint-Germain and the Qatar Tennis Federation, and vice president of the Asian Tennis Federation for West Asia.

Al-Khelaifi is also the president and chief executive officer of Paris Saint-Germain in France.

The Qatari is also a member of the organizing committee for the FIFA Club World Cup and has been elected as the chairman of the European Club Association (ECA).

Who Are The Frontrunner To Buy Manchester United?

Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe have long been the clear frontrunners to buy United, but the Glazers family are yet to accept their bid.

Jim Ratcliffe’s offer will see him get a majority share in the club while Sheikh Jassim wants to buy the club outrightly – a bid that the Manchester United owners are sceptical about.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is the leading prospect in the race to buy Manchester United, with the INEOS chief to be named the preferred bidder in the coming weeks.