Manchester United's officially recognised LGBTQ+ supporters club - Rainbow Devils - have issued a statement, confirming that they have 'deep concern' about the prospect of Qatari investors completing a takeover of the club.
It is widely reported that investors linked to the Qatari royal family will submit an offer to purchase United from the Glazer family before Friday evening's 10pm GMT 'soft deadline'. They face competition from the likes of British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Saudi investors.
United were put up for sale by the Glazers back in November and talk of a Qatari-led takeover has dominated the headlines in recent weeks. A report by Sky News has claimed that Qatari Prime Minister Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani is linked with a big-money bid to buy the club.
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Qatar, of course, has strict anti-LGBTQ+ laws, all of which were well documented in the build-up to and throughout last year's 2022 FIFA World Cup. Members of the LGBTQ+ community in Qatar face prison sentences for homosexual activity, while the punishment for Muslim men engaging in same-sex activity could be the death penalty. The country has also been heavily criticised for their women's rights.
Understandably, United-supporting members of the LGBTQ+ community are concerned by the prospect of a Qatari takeover at Old Trafford.
A statement issued by Rainbow Devils said: "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.
"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."
Meanwhile, following Thursday night's 2-2 draw with Barcelona at the Camp Nou, United manager Erik ten Hag addressed the takeover speculation, confirming that he is 'following it', but wants to focus on matters on the pitch.
He said: "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, and games. We are focusing on that."
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