Manchester United bidding war: Finnish entrepreneur challenges Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim

PREMIER LEAGUE Manchester United bidding war: Finnish entrepreneur challenges Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim

Ayoola Kelechi 17:37 - 23.03.2023

Finnish entrepreneur Thomas Zilliacus challenges Sir Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim for Manchester United

A Finnish entrepreneur named Thomas Zilliacus has reportedly thrown his hat into the ring for the purchase of Manchester United with an unusual bid involving the fans. 

Finnish entrepreneur challenges Sir Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim for Manchester United

Zilliacus, who is the owner of the new social media group novaM is set to go toe-to-toe with Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim and British businessman Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who have been the front-runners to buy Manchester United. 

Zilliacus, who aims to buy the club through an investment firm called XXI Century Capital which is owned by his holding company, has said his bid differs from other prospective buyers because he aims to buy the club in conjunction with the fans. 

Zilliacus proposes radical Manchester United structure

The Finnish businessman intends to buy only half of the club, while the other half will be owned by Manchester United fans, who will also be able to make decisions that affect their beloved club. 

A Finnish entrepreneur named Thomas Zilliacus has reportedly thrown his hat into the ring for the purchase of Manchester United with an unusual bid involving the fans.
Shiekh Jassim Al Thani (L) and Sir Jim Ratcliffe are battling over the ownership of Man united

His proposed bid is markedly different from both Sir Ratcliffe's and Sheikh Jassim’s bids, and its novelty might be what propels him past them. 

What Zilliacus proposes is a hybrid between what currently obtains in England, where clubs are owned by individuals or businesses, and what can be seen in Spain with Barcelona and Real Madrid, where clubs are owned by fans with an overseeing board voted in by the supporters. 

If successful, Zilliacus, could open a new era in English and European football as far as club ownership is concerned. 

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