Qatar could seek UEFA rule change to allow Man Utd takeover

Qatari investors may have to seek a regulation change from UEFA to successfully conclude a takeover of Manchester United, according to new reports.

The Daily Mail reported on Tuesday that investors were planning to bid for United in the coming days, and were confident that the size of any bid would comfortably fend off any competition.

Only Sir Jim Ratcliffe's Ineos company has formally declared their intention to enter the bidding process, although it is believed that other interested parties have sent enquiries to United's owners, the Glazer family.

The Guardian now claim that the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamin bin Hamad al-Thani, is the leading figure behind a potential Qatari bid.

The Qatar royal family attempted to purchase United in 2011, although it was reported they did not meet the Glazers' £1.8 billion asking price at the time.

Now, there are allegedly other hurdles in place that could prevent a successful takeover.

Qatar could see UEFA rule change in Man Utd bid

The Guardian have also reported that Qatar may need to ask UEFA to change their ownership regulations to complete a takeover.

Current regulations state that clubs controlled, indirectly or directly, by the same entity cannot compete against each other in the same competition.

The Emir currently owns PSG through Qatar Sports Investments (QSi), who become sole owners of the club in 2012, and the French giants would not be allowed to play alongside United, if acquired, in the Champions League or any other UEFA-ran competition. If the regulation is not adjusted, the Qatari owners would likely have to choose between United or PSG to play in the top continental competition.

It is also claimed that the Emir values United at below the Glazers' asking price, which could serve as another stumbling block in any negotiations.

Whether UEFA would agree to such a rule change is unknown at this stage, although it is suggested that those behind a Qatari bid are 'conscious' of the current regulations in place.

Should any takeover go through, it would end the near 18-year reign of the Glazers, who took over a majority stake, and later total control, of the club in May 2005 through Malcolm Glazer.