Sheikh Jassim attacks Sir Jim Ratcliffe as Man Utd ownership battle resumes

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 4 Apr 2024 10:08 BST
• 3 min read

Sheikh Jassim has reportedly had his representatives send letters to the lawyers of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, claiming that the Ineos chief had released ‘false’ and ‘defamatory’ statements.

Indeed, according to The Athletic, the Qatari banker’s group have sent legal letters to Manchester United lawyers in New York City and London to complain about ‘a pattern of demonstrably false and defamatory’ statements made by Ratcliffe in regard to them buying the club.

They accuse Ratcliffe of breaching the confidentiality agreement signed by all parties concerning the sales process.

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In February, Ratcliffe completed a purchase of a 27.7 per cent stake in the Red Devils, winning the battle against Sheikh Jassim, who withdrew from the process last October after his offer of £6billion fell short of what the Glazer family wanted.

In an interview after winning the takeover, Ratcliffe said: “Still nobody's ever seen him. The Glazers never met him... he never... I'm not sure he exists!”

Sheikh Jassim reportedly complained about 'demonstrably false statements' by Ratcliffe. It was reported in January that the Qatari bidders had been left furious after Man Utd said to shareholders that their group did not hit the valuation, nor did they provide proof of funds.

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Sticky situation

Man Utd's filing said that 'Bidder A' repeatedly failed to submit 'customary financing commitment letters', but this was counted by Sheikh Jassim's team.

The Qatari bid were also frustrated that shareholders had not been informed of Sheikh Jassim's promise to put in £1bn to bolster the infrastructure.

The documents say a final bid from the Qataris of around £4bn was rejected, however, others state that the offer was much higher than that.

The group eventually pulled the plug after nine months of the saga, after a final offer was rejected by Man Utd.