UEFA give green light to Qatari takeover of Manchester United

Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, wants to buy Manchester United (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

The Qataris' hopes of buying Manchester United have been boosted after UEFA cleared the way for the state to expand their investment into European football.

The Raine Group, who are overseeing the sale of United, have set a deadline of Friday for bids to be made for the club.

Though the Glazers are open to partial investment, they're believed to favour a full sale of the Red Devils.

The Americans value the club at upwards of £5bn, which has limited the interest in the club.

As well as a bid from Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Saudi Arabia and one from American investors, United are now expecting a full bid from Qatar.

Following the success of the World Cup, the middle-east country is looking to expand its investment in football.

United have long protested against the Glazer family (Photo by ANTHONY DEVLIN / AFP) (Photo by ANTHONY DEVLIN/AFP via Getty Images)

QSI - Qatar Sports Investment - have held control of Paris Saint-Germain for the last 12 years.

UEFA rules prohibit clubs having the same owners to play in the same competition and Qatar's move for United has raised eyebrows.

However, the Daily Mail say that UEFA are satisfied that the move from Qatar Investment Authority is a separate entity to QSI.

That's despite the fact that QIA holds shares in Paris Saint-Germain, but not a controlling stake.

If the Qataris' bid for United is successful, they will look to implement broad plans for the club straight away.

It includes copying the template seen at Manchester City, where the club's owners have redeveloped the stadium and renovated the nearby area.

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