Manchester United's LGBTQ+ fan group has released a statement raising "deep concerns" over the identity of several of the bidders for the club.
Current owner the Glazer family is looking to sell the Premier League giants after a turbulent 18 years in control of the club. The Americans have set a soft deadline of Friday for any bids, with The Raine Group hired to oversee the process.
British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe is thought to be leading one of the interested parties. But interest has also emerged from Qatar and Saudi Arabia, with both countries infamous for their persecution of the LGBTQ+ community.
Mirror Football revealed back in November how LGBTQ+ people in Qatar face being arbitrarily arrested and beaten unconscious by the state's police forces. Saudi Arabia also has an appalling human rights record, particularly when it comes to the LGBTQ+ community.
The interest of both nations in a takeover of United has led to growing concern among supporters of the club. Rainbow Devils has issued a firm statement making it clear it has deep concerns over several of the reported bidders.
"Rainbow Devils believe any bidder seeking to buy Manchester United must commit to making football a sport for everyone, including LGBTQ+ supporters, players and staff," the statement, released on Friday, read.
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"We therefore have deep concern over some of the bids that are being made. We are watching the current process closely with this in mind."
The firm statement from the Rainbow Devils comes as further details emerged over the Qatari-backed bid. According to Sky News, former Qatar Prime Minister Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani is linked to the bid.
Known as HBJ, he has already invested in several hotels and properties in London over the course of several years. One man who will not be involved, though, is Hassan Al Thawadi, who was in charge of the 2022 World Cup.
Al Thawadi had been floated as a possible club president if the Qatar bid was successful, but Sky News reports he is 'not due' to have a role at Old Trafford. Meanwhile, Erik ten Hag has confirmed he, like the Rainbow Devils, is keeping a close eye on the bidding process.
“We are following it. It’s our club and of course we are committed. But we are focusing on football, on training and our way of play, on games. That is what we are focusing on,” Ten Hag said.
“We are really enjoying in the moment with the togetherness. It’s enjoyable to work. We are focusing on games and we have four leagues, so others in the club will have to take decisions, give efforts in the process but it’s not up to us.
“I focus on football. They are focusing on other parts, departments of the club. How to get everything, for instance, financed.”
