Qatar targets United, Liverpool, Spurs buyout

Middle East nation riding World Cup wave

MQatar recently spent over $200 billion during the past decade redeveloping the country’s infrastructure to host the World Cup.

anchester United, Liverpool FC or Tottenham Hotspur are among England’s top Premier League clubs being targeted by Qatar, the Middle Eastern nation buoyed from hosting the most expensive World Cup ever.

Qatar Sports Investments chairman Nasser Al Khelaifi recently held conversations with Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy over the possible purchase of a stake in the London-based club, according to a person with knowledge of the meeting. QSI is also considering both a full takeover or a stake in rivals including Manchester United or Liverpool FC, added the person, who asked not to be named because the discussions are private.

QSI has decided to consider at least one investment in the EPL after hosting what the country views as a successful World Cup. The move is both a hedge against investments in less high-profile leagues like Portugal, and due to the ELP’s continued growth and global profile.

Investing in sports

Any potential deal “either an outright takeover or a minority stake” would further cement Qatar’s strategy of investing in sports assets, in part to boost the country’s profile and also to invest its vast wealth from natural resources.

Qatar recently spent over $200 billion during the past decade redeveloping the country’s infrastructure to host the World Cup. Alongside building brand-new stadiums and entire municipalities, Qatar has also been buying sports assets, including the high-profile takeover of Paris Saint-Germain, a stake in Portugal’s SC Braga and the development of sports-focused beIN Media Group.

The American Glazer family that owns Manchester United is looking for an investor and might be prepared to sell up, while the owners of fellow English Premier League giant Liverpool FC are also weighing a sale.