Football finance experts believe the Glazers have put Manchester United up for sale because they did not want to be gazumped by Liverpool.
The fear is that there are so few billionaires or consortiums in the market that if Liverpool is sold then United’s options could be severely limited. Therefore, less than a month after Liverpool’s US owners announced they were exploring options including a possible sale, the Glazer family followed suit.
Now they are both chasing very limited options even if United fans are certainly happier to see the Glazers selling than Liverpool supporters who have enjoyed success under John W Henry. United’s biggest issue is the price - it could be sold up to £8billion - and also Old Trafford needing major redevelopment.
Chelsea attracted huge interest when Roman Abramovich was forced into selling because of Government sanctions. But that sale had to be rushed through to meet a Government deadline and it also came before the global economy spiralled even further towards disaster.
Liverpool and United were both signed up to the European Super League but were forced to pull out after a huge fan backlash. US owners in the Premier League now fear they will not be able to maximise their full potential financially and, coming soon after the ESL disaster, that must have played into their thoughts.
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The feeling at the World Cup was that FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s now infamous speech was a game-changer - but for all the wrong reasons.
There was a huge kick back and reaction to Infantino’s comments about discrimination and trying to justify holding the tournament in Qatar.
And there is even a theory that it contributed to the U-turn on the One Love armband and the anti-racism gesture being banned by FIFA.
The FA had been holding talks since last September and, along with six other nations who had signed up, were confident along the way that they would be given the green light.
And then suddenly everything changed on Sunday - just hours after the speech with FIFA trying to wrestle back control of the tournament but also they want their anti-discrimination message rather than the One Love armband.
Infantino’s re-election as FIFA president has so far been unopposed and another four years of his reign looks set to be ratified next March.
But tensions between FIFA and the Qatar organisers have been at breaking point with the goalposts being shifted at a moment’s notice.
It might leave Infantino’s own standing and position far less secure. But it’s also been a no-win situation for the FA.
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Big name TV pundits were conspicuous by their absence when the various different channels did their opening shows at the tournament.
After Gary Lineker’s comments about the rights and wrongs of staging the tournament in Qatar, it was inevitable that other studio guests would be asked for their views.
And at least two big names shied away from being involved because they did not want to say the wrong thing and be accused of double standards.
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Petrol bills is one very welcome bonus in Qatar where fuel is cheaper than beer.
One gas guzzler - which would cost close to £100 to fill up in England - cost £19 for a full tank.
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John Hartson was one of the star attractions of a little Welsh corner in the Curry House at Doha’s Intercontinental.
Former Arsenal striker Hartson must have been the best voice on radio and TV and joined dozens of Wales fans in the restaurant this week.
They even hired a Welsh singing choir which is maybe no surprise as the place is run by former TV presenter Rhodri Williams who is one of Doha’s most popular and best loved figures.
