BREAKING: UEFA receives request to block Qatari £5bn takeover of Manchester United

UEFA has been asked to intervene in a proposed takeover of Manchester United by Qatari investors.

The Glazer family is seeking north of £5 billion to part ways with Manchester United, and interested parties must submit bids by Friday.

The Raine Group, which is in charge of the club’s sale, anticipates at least four “serious” offers.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has declared his interest, and American investors who were unsuccessful in their bid for Chelsea last year are expected to make a bid for United.

Saudi Arabia has long had an interest in Manchester United, and despite the purchase of Newcastle United last year, there is still a desire to take over at Old Trafford.

With a reported wealth of around £359 billion, a Qatar-based group of investors could blow the competition out of the water.

According to reports, Qatar Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has long supported Manchester United and has plans to renovate Old Trafford and the surrounding area.

Qatar’s acquisition of United is not without controversy, with the country’s human rights record being called into question.

There is also the issue of sporting integrity, with the Qatari owners of Paris Saint-Germain already in charge of one European powerhouse.

Owners cannot control two clubs competing in the same competition, according to UEFA rules.

‘No individual or legal entity may have control or influence over more than one club participating in a UEFA club competition,’ the rules state.

FairSquare, a human rights research and advocacy organisation, has now written to UEFA to request that the move be halted.

‘A basic study of Qatar’s political and economic system amply demonstrates the impossibility of any Qatari consortium proving itself independent of state influence, and thus separate from PSG ownership,’ FairSquare writes in a letter.

“The World Freedom Index classifies Qatar as ‘not free,’ and the most recent assessment is harsh on Qatar’s record on the rule of law, corruption, and political participation: ‘The hereditary emir of Qatar wields all executive and legislative power and ultimately controls the judiciary.’