Report: Qatari Royal Family Close to Purchasing Manchester United

by

Feb 11, 2011

The Glazer family, current owners of Manchester United, is reportedly in the midst of finalizing a sale to Qatar Holdings, the investment branch of Qatar’s Royal Family, according to the Daily Express.

The family purchased the club in May 2005 for £790 million ($1.1 billion) and could set a world record by selling the team for £1.6 billion ($2.17 billion).

While the Daily Express is reporting that a "well-placed source" said that "the deal is pretty much done and they are only haggling over details," United is still disputing the claims.

On Thursday, Phil Townsend, Manchester United’s director of communications denied that any offers had been made.

"There has been no approach to buy Manchester United and no approach would be welcome," he said.

If the details of the sale are accurate, there are reports that Saturday’s Manchester derby could be the last match under the Glazer family.

The family has been largely unpopular and widely criticized during its six-year regime due to excessive debts that have put the club's future at risk and caused ticket prices to soar.

After winning the rights to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Qatar Holdings is looking to capitalize on the rising popularity of soccer in its country by purchasing one of the biggest clubs in the world.

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