PSG president Al-Khelaifi distances himself from Man United bid

ISTANBUL (AP) – Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi stated Saturday that he’s not a part of a possible Qatari-based bid to purchase Manchester United.

Speaking in Istanbul forward of the Champions League last, Al-Khelaifi distanced himself from countryman Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani’s proposed takeover of the storied Premier League membership.

“Paris Saint-Germain is my club, my heart and nothing to do with Man United,” he stated of his Qatari-backed French membership.

On Friday it was reported Al-Khelaifi, who can also be the chairman of the European Club Association, had performed a “significant” position in talks over Sheikh Jassim’s try to purchase out United homeowners, the Glazer household.

Al-Khelaifi stated potential traders incessantly search his recommendation and that he would provide his opinion about United or every other membership. He stated he was approached at Formula One’s Miami Grand Prix by an investor contemplating bids for 2 unnamed English groups.

“I’m not working for anyone. I want the best for football,” he stated. “When this guy asked me, I tell him my opinion. So if they ask me my opinion I will answer them for sure and that’s what they do. Anyone, not just Man United. I will give them my experience that I have. That’s it.”

UEFA has a rule designed to cease homeowners or companies having “decisive influence” over multiple membership which qualifies for its European competitions. The rule drafted 25 years in the past goals to guard the integrity of video games from homeowners with a battle of curiosity on the filed.

Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim is competing with British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe for possession of United, which was estimated to achieve a sale worth of as a lot as $6 billion.

The Glazers introduced in November that they have been exploring “strategic alternatives” after proudly owning the membership since 2005. That included a potential full sale or minority funding.

PSG is owned by Qatar Sports Investments and has spent exorbitant quantities of cash on a few of soccer’s greatest gamers like Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar.

Al-Khelaifi added that he would welcome additional Qatari possession of European groups.

“If within the regulation, why not? Everyone, not only Qatari, everyone,” he stated.

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James Robson is at https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson

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