Who is Sheikh Jassim, the Qatari billionaire who tried to buy Manchester United but failed? | World News

Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, QIB chairman and Qatari royal, led a £4.79bn debt-free bid for Manchester United/Image: QIB

Two years after Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani tried a full buyout of Manchester United, new contractual developments have sparked recent hypothesis. But regardless of the opening, the Qatari royal and his Nine Two Foundation have dominated out a return — shifting focus to world sporting ambitions. Here’s a transparent breakdown of the timeline, the particulars of his failed bid, the new developments at Old Trafford, and who Sheikh Jassim actually is.

On August 13, 2025, a key clause in the deal between Sir Jim Ratcliffe, his INEOS group, and the Glazer household got here into impact. Known as the “drag-along right,” this clause, buried in the fantastic print of Ratcliffe’s settlement when he purchased 25% of Manchester United in February 2024, permits the Glazers to promote the complete membership — and drive INEOS to promote its stake too — if a majority sale is agreed upon.This mechanism exists to forestall minority stakeholders from obstructing a sale favoured by majority house owners. Despite the clause now being lively, sources say a sale is unlikely at the second due to the constructive relationship between Ratcliffe and the Glazers.But on condition that Sheikh Jassim was the runner-up in the earlier high-stakes bidding battle, many questioned if the clause may reignite his curiosity. That hypothesis was short-lived.Sheikh Jassim’s camp has made it clear: they’ve “zero interest” in returning to the negotiating desk for Manchester United. Instead, their focus has shifted to what insiders are calling “mega projects”, together with Qatar’s bid to host the 2036 Olympics.

Sheikh Jassim, by means of the Nine Two Foundation, made a number of bids to buy Manchester United beginning in February 2023. The Foundation’s title paid tribute to the membership’s well-known “Class of ’92” and promised to return United to world soccer dominance.Key Details of the Bid:

Jassim’s group reportedly submitted 5 complete bids, with the last provide reaching round £4.79 billion. This included substantial extra funds earmarked for infrastructure and recruitment.However, the Glazers valued the membership at £6 billion, and regardless of Jassim enhancing his provide, the value hole was by no means bridged. He finally withdrew from the course of in October 2023.The Aftermath:

Since Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s partial acquisition, INEOS has slowly begun restructuring behind the scenes. With key government and ground-level modifications applied, Manchester United now function from a refurbished £50 million coaching floor.Ratcliffe’s presence, regardless of being a minority stakeholder, has introduced operational management and affect — particularly in sporting selections. He had beforehand hinted at “hidden clauses” inside his settlement, probably referencing the now-activated drag-along clause.Still, regardless of the theoretical chance of a full sale, there’s no lively motion towards a change in majority possession, particularly with Jassim now out of the image.

Born in 1978, Sheikh Jassim is the third son of former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Al-Missned. A member of Qatar’s royal household, he has sturdy ties throughout the nation’s monetary and strategic sectors.Education and Military Background:

Financial and Corporate Roles:

Under his management, QIB has grow to be Qatar’s prime Islamic financial institution, controlling over 42% of the Islamic banking market by 2019. The financial institution excelled throughout the pandemic, exhibiting sturdy monetary efficiency and accelerating its digital transformation.Jassim’s broader pursuits in sports activities, finance, and logistics are actually converging round Qatar’s world ambitions, most notably the 2036 Olympic bid. This new strategic path indicators a shift away from European soccer membership possession.

Despite the door technically being open due to the “drag-along” clause, Sheikh Jassim’s Manchester United bid is now not in play. His departure marks the finish of what was one in all the most high-profile and bold takeover makes an attempt in fashionable soccer.With Qatar’s eyes now set on internet hosting the Olympics and different world initiatives, the Nine Two Foundation’s footballing ambitions appear to be shelved indefinitely — closing this chapter at Old Trafford as soon as and for all.