Manchester United Takeover: Concerns Over Qatari Ownership, Says Mayor Andy Burnham
Mayor of Manchester, Andy Burnham, has expressed his reservations about the potential takeover of Manchester United by Qatari royal Sheikh Jassim. Burnham acknowledged that many people do not feel comfortable with the idea, citing concerns over Qatar’s human rights record. However, he also emphasized that such issues are ultimately the responsibility of the UK government.
The sale of Manchester United has been ongoing since November 2022, with Sheikh Jassim’s Nine Two Foundation and Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS emerging as the main bidders. However, negotiations have been protracted as the Glazer family, the current owners, are holding out for a high asking price.
Qatar’s human rights record has come under scrutiny in recent years, particularly due to its hosting of the 2022 World Cup. Sheikh Jassim’s bid to buy Manchester United has further intensified the focus on these concerns. In an interview on Global’s The News Agents podcast, Burnham acknowledged the discomfort surrounding Qatari ownership but highlighted that the Premier League has become entangled with various regimes worldwide.
Burnham stated, “I don’t think anyone feels completely comfortable about it, and I’m going to be really clear about that. But the Premier League has kind of moved into a place where, is all the money clean in any Premier League club? There’s associations with regimes around the world. That’s how it is now, isn’t it?”
The mayor also criticized the current ownership regime at Manchester United, highlighting the significant amount of money that has been extracted from the club over the past decade. Despite these concerns, Burnham acknowledged that there is no definitive outcome regarding the ownership of the club yet.
Sheikh Jassim’s bid asserts that he is bidding as a private individual through the Nine Two Foundation, rather than as a state entity. This distinction is crucial, as Manchester City, Manchester United’s cross-town rivals, were bought by Sheikh Mansour of the United Arab Emirates in 2009. The Abu Dhabi investors have played a significant role in the redevelopment of east Manchester, near City’s stadium. Despite criticism of the Emirati ownership on human rights and financial grounds, the arrangement has generally been viewed positively by local political and business leaders.
When asked about his concerns over Qatari ownership, Burnham emphasized that these issues should be addressed at a governmental level. He stated, “You can’t solve those issues from here, can you? Those are issues for the UK government talking to the Qataris.” Burnham believes that engagement with Qatar presents an opportunity for dialogue regarding equality, anti-discrimination, and human rights.
Football has always been a platform for such discussions, and Burnham believes that it is an opportunity that Manchester will never shy away from. He stated, “The engagement brings the opportunity to have a different dialogue with them about what this city is all about, what we expect in terms of respecting equality, anti-discrimination, human rights across the board.”
As the negotiations for Manchester United’s sale continue, concerns over potential Qatari ownership persist. While Burnham acknowledges the discomfort surrounding the issue, he also recognizes the complexities involved and the need for dialogue at a higher level. Ultimately, the fate of Manchester United rests in the hands of the Glazer family and the potential buyers, but the discussions surrounding the club’s ownership highlight broader questions about the relationship between football and global politics.