How Premier League regulator would impact Saudi or Qatari investors buying Manchester United

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Manchester United owners the Glazers issued a statement at the end of last month confirming they are open to offers for a sale.

This long-awaited statement was the news Manchester United fans have waited 17 years to hear, and now attention turns to ‘what’s next?’.

Speculation continues to swirl. There are no official public bids in yet – this is a process expected to take months.

Separately, the UK Government is set to push ahead with plans for an independent regulator, tasked with overseeing football finances, The Mail report.

So how would this affect Manchester United’s takeover options?

What Premier League regulator means for Manchester United takeover

One big controversial talking point is whether Manchester United could become the target of a Middle East backed takeover.

The Guardian report the Saudi Arabian government would support private investors from the country making a bid for Manchester United.

The Daily Mail also state United could be the target of a bid from Dubai.

A Premier League regulator is not expected to interfere with this.

The Mail’s report states: “A regulator though is not likely to prevent Saudi or Qatari investors buying Manchester United or Liverpool on human rights grounds.

“Owners and directors tests are likely to be strengthened and better corporate governance imposed, meaning each club will now have to appoint independent directors rather than be run by a cosy cabal of owners’ friends.

“But the Government has previously made it clear that it does not expect nor want a regulator to forge an independent position for football investment which diverges from British foreign policy.

“So nations which are allies of the UK, such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar, will be free to invest in the game as long as owners can pass the relevant new tests.”

The report does state that an official state-linked bid from a country could face ‘a more robust approach’.

We wrote last month how the Premier League’s current Fit and Proper Person Test is no longer fit for purpose – the Glazers’ debt-leveraged buyout should never have been approved in 2005.

A regulator may only be introduced by the Government in 2024 – after United’s takeover will be completed – but any new owners will still need to comply with any tests which are brought in.

We wait to see what 2023 has in store.