‘Premier League have announced…’ - Kaveh Solhekol’s update could affect Man Utd takeover
The Premier League have made some changes to the Owners’ and Directors’ Test at a meeting held today.
According to Sky Sports journalist Kaveh Solhekol, the decision was made unanimously.
It is set to make the Manchester United potential takeover a lot more transparent than those in the past.
Passing the test is going to be tougher going forward, and the other clubs clearly do not want a repeat of the Newcastle United takeover.
“The Premier League have announced that they have had a shareholders meeting today,” Solhekol said on Sky Sports.
“And in that meeting, it was unanimously agreed to make a number of changes to the Owners’ and Directors’ Test.
“These are significant changes because, on the face of it, it is going to be harder to pass the test.”
“For instance, if you’ve been found guilty of human rights abuses, you won’t be able to own or be the director of a Premier League club.”
The Glazers want to sell Man United and have spoken with Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani and Thomas Zilliacus.
The Qataris have been tipped as favourites to emerge winners in the bidding process.
However, things could change due to the test ahead.
Sheikh Jassim is the chairman of the Qatar Islamic Bank, and he wants to buy the Red Devils via his Nine Two Foundation.
Qatar hosted the World Cup last year and the country were accused of trampling on the human rights of the workers involved in constructing the stadiums.
However, whether that would affect Sheikh Jassim’s chances of passing the Owners’ and Directors’ Test remains to be seen.
Plenty of Premier League clubs were unhappy after the Newcastle takeover was approved.
Human rights bodies also advised the Premier League not to approve the deal.
Nevertheless, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund were allowed to complete the process of owning the Magpies.
They have started splashing the cash, and the Red Devils’ rivals are afraid of another Middle East-backed takeover.
It is unknown whether a potential Man United takeover inspired the clubs to make the changes to the test.
However, plenty of things could change as far as the Qataris becoming successful with a bid goes.
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