UEFA will allow Qatari investors to buy Manchester United despite PSG ownership under ONE condition

UEFA are set to provide a green light for Qatari investors to take over Manchester United as long as one condition is followed, despite an apparent conflict of interest through Paris Saint-Germain.

That’s according to the latest reports from the Daily Mail, with developments regarding the potential sale at Old Trafford in full flow.

The deadline for opening bids has been set for Friday the 17th of February after five serious potential buyers have emerged.

It was revealed earlier this week that an investment from Qatar is prepared to make an offer for the English club that will “blow all competition out of the water”.

However, Qatar Sports Investments’ ownership of French club PSG seemed to have created a conflict of interest because of the chance of United facing up against the Ligue 1 side in European football.

The UEFA ruling, which is set to protect the integrity of the Champions and Europa Leagues, states that ‘no club participating in UEFA club competitions may….hold or deal securities or shares in any other club participating’ or ‘be involved in any capacity whatsoever in the management administration and/or sporting performance of any other club participating.’

Sheikh Tamim, who is the Emir of Qatar, would be linked to any bid coming from the state due to the grip on wealth the royal family has.

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Yet, UEFA’s Club Financial Control Body, which regulates competitions, is likely to rule the dual ownership is legitimate as long as one condition is met.

Sheikh Tamim would need to be a symbolic, hands-off figure and the two teams have separate management and distinct corporate structures, which do not collude.

This ruling has already been tested previously when UEFA allowed both RB Leipzig and RB Salzburg to compete in the Champions League, with both clubs funded by soft drinks firm Red Bull.

It was also added that the prospect of Qatari money rebuilding Old Trafford and regenerating the land around it will provide important political momentum in the United Kingdom, as it would be a key Government aim in levelling up communities.

Qatar is not interested in buying a minority stake in the Manchester club, and are confident of their bid winning the battle. They would have plans to rebuild the Theatre of Dreams, which could add another £1.2 billion to their initial investment, as well as modernise the training ground.