Two years after Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani tried a full buyout of Manchester United, new contractual developments have sparked recent hypothesis. However regardless of the opening, the Qatari royal and his 9 Two Basis have dominated out a return — shifting focus to international sporting ambitions. Here is a transparent breakdown of the timeline, the small print of his failed bid, the brand new developments at Outdated Trafford, and who Sheikh Jassim actually is.
The clause that reopened the door, however nobody’s strolling by way of it
On August 13, 2025, a key clause within the deal between Sir Jim Ratcliffe, his INEOS group, and the Glazer household got here into impact. Often called the “drag-along proper,” this clause, buried within the positive print of Ratcliffe’s settlement when he purchased 25% of Manchester United in February 2024, permits the Glazers to promote the complete membership — and pressure INEOS to promote its stake too — if a majority sale is agreed upon.This mechanism exists to stop minority stakeholders from obstructing a sale favoured by majority homeowners. Regardless of the clause now being lively, sources say a sale is unlikely in the meanwhile because of the constructive relationship between Ratcliffe and the Glazers.However on condition that Sheikh Jassim was the runner-up within the earlier high-stakes bidding battle, many questioned if the clause might reignite his curiosity. That hypothesis was short-lived.Sheikh Jassim’s camp has made it clear: they’ve “zero curiosity” in returning to the negotiating desk for Manchester United. As an alternative, their focus has shifted to what insiders are calling “mega tasks”, together with Qatar’s bid to host the 2036 Olympics.
Contained in the Sheikh Jassim bid – imaginative and prescient, worth, and the ultimate blow
Sheikh Jassim, by way of the 9 Two Basis, made a number of bids to purchase Manchester United beginning in February 2023. The Basis’s title paid tribute to the membership’s well-known “Class of ’92” and promised to return United to international soccer dominance.Key Particulars of the Bid:
Jassim’s group reportedly submitted 5 whole bids, with the ultimate supply reaching round £4.79 billion. This included substantial further funds earmarked for infrastructure and recruitment.Nevertheless, the Glazers valued the membership at £6 billion, and regardless of Jassim enhancing his supply, the worth hole was by no means bridged. He finally withdrew from the method in October 2023.The Aftermath:
Manchester United’s current — INEOS, infrastructure and inside calm
Since Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s partial acquisition, INEOS has slowly begun restructuring behind the scenes. With key govt and ground-level modifications applied, Manchester United now function from a refurbished £50 million coaching floor.Ratcliffe’s presence, regardless of being a minority stakeholder, has introduced operational management and affect — particularly in sporting selections. He had beforehand hinted at “hidden clauses” inside his settlement, doubtless referencing the now-activated drag-along clause.Nonetheless, regardless of the theoretical chance of a full sale, there’s no lively motion towards a change in majority possession, particularly with Jassim now out of the image.
Who’s Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani?
Born in 1978, Sheikh Jassim is the third son of former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Al-Missned. A member of Qatar’s royal household, he has sturdy ties throughout the nation’s monetary and strategic sectors.Schooling and Army Background:
Monetary and Company Roles:
Beneath his management, QIB has turn out to be Qatar’s high Islamic financial institution, controlling over 42% of the Islamic banking market by 2019. The financial institution excelled throughout the pandemic, exhibiting sturdy monetary efficiency and accelerating its digital transformation.Jassim’s broader pursuits in sports activities, finance, and logistics are actually converging round Qatar’s international ambitions, most notably the 2036 Olympic bid. This new strategic route alerts a shift away from European soccer membership possession.
Ultimate phrase: Bid over, chapter closed
Regardless of the door technically being open because of the “drag-along” clause, Sheikh Jassim’s Manchester United bid is not in play. His departure marks the tip of what was one of the crucial high-profile and impressive takeover makes an attempt in fashionable soccer.With Qatar’s eyes now set on internet hosting the Olympics and different international tasks, the 9 Two Basis’s footballing ambitions appear to be shelved indefinitely — closing this chapter at Outdated Trafford as soon as and for all.
