A human rights group has urged UEFA to block a takeover of Manchester United by Qatari investors.
United's current owners, the Glazer family, have set a soft deadline of this Friday for offers, with Bloomberg claiming that Qatari investors are preparing an imminent bid for the club.
It is also reported that the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) are helping to prepare a bid, with the Daily Mail claiming any offer will come from a separate entity to Qatar Sports Investments, who own Paris Saint-Germain.
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A UEFA regulation states that the same entity cannot own, control or have influence over two clubs playing in a UEFA competition, which was seen as a key hurdle to overcome by the Qatari bid. However, the above report claims that UEFA will not block a bid.
Human rights research and advisory group FairSquare has written to UEFA, citing a study which they claim demonstrates 'impossibility' that any Qatari consortium can prove it is independent from the influence of the Qatar state.
The letter, published by The Athletic, reads: "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 the ownership of PSG.
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"Freedom House's World Freedom Index classifies Qatar as 'not free', and it's most recent assessment is highly critical of Qatar's record on the rule of law, corruption and political participation: 'Qatar's hereditary emir holds all executive and legislative authority and ultimately controls the judiciary.'"
The Athletic also claim that the letter raises ties between the state's investment vehicles and the ruling family. FairSquare claim the state ownership of clubs 'jeopardises the integrity of the game'.
They say: "UEFA's Statutes are very clear on the critical importance of ensuring that no single party can exercise control or influence over more than one club, and this is all the more important when the owners are states.
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"State ownership of European football clubs jeopardises the integrity of the game, its proclaimed values and its sustainability."
PSG 'concerns' raised over Man Utd takeover
Qatari authorities have stressed that plans to place a bid for United are separate and independent to the involvement of QSI in Paris.
Journalist Ben Jacobs has reported that QSI remain fully committed to PSG, and would not be directly involved in any bid for United.
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However, according to L'Equipe (via the Daily Mail), there are some concerns in France over the possible impact on PSG if Qatari investors are successful in their bid to buy United.
It is claimed that the Qataris see Ligue 1, the top division of French football, as a league that lacks growth potential, with concerns that if a takeover of United happened, there would be more of a focus on investing in the Red Devils.
Furthermore, L'Equipe has been told by sources: "If Qatar buys Manchester United, there is a chance that it will be less generous with PSG and that it will make it a Ligue 1 club and no longer a team cut out to win the Champions League."
Speaking in December, however, PSG president and QSI chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi stated QSI were in the French giants 'for the long haul' amid claims that they were going to sell the club, and added (quotes via GFFN): "What we are thinking about is how to develop the club. What is best for the club? Deep in my heart, I don't want to sell any part of it. But if it's in the interest of the club, why not? We don't want someone who comes for two years and sells his shares. We want someone who brings a lot of value."
Topics: Manchester United, Premier League, Qatar, Paris Saint-Germain
Ryan Smart