If it were to go through, Qatari investors are reportedly planning to take over one of the largest clubs in the Premier League. If this move were to take place, it would send shockwaves throughout the English football community.
Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani, who attempted to take over Manchester United in 2023, is the most well-known example of a Qatari individual or group successfully attempting to acquire a stake in a Premier League club. Other Qatari individuals or groups have also made similar attempts in the past.
The Qatari businessman had been in negotiations to acquire United between February 2023 and October 2023, but he eventually withdrew from the process. In its place, the British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe purchased a 27.7 percent stake in the club from the Glazer family, who owned the majority of the club’s shares.
Now, it has been reported that a separate group of Qatari investors is discussing the possibility of attempting to acquire Tottenham.
However, the proposed takeover could take the form of a phased buy-out, according to The Guardian, which claims that the group is determined to take “control” of the club located in north London.
The identities of the Qatari bidders are unknown; however, The Guardian asserts that they are private individuals rather than Sheikh Jassim or Qatar Sports Investment (QSI), which is supported by the government.
It has been reported that the Qataris are willing to permit the current executive chairman, Daniel Levy, to continue working at the club even in the event that a full takeover is completed. This is a move that may not be well received by the supporters.
“Under one model being considered by the investors, Levy would be offered a management contract to run the club, which would remain in place even if Enic, that owns 86.91 per cent of Tottenham, becomes a minority shareholder,” according to the investigative report.
Since Enic purchased 29.9 percent of Tottenham from Alan Sugar in 2001, Levy has been the most influential figure at the club. In 2007, Enic completed a full takeover of Tottenham, making him the most powerful person at the club.
As a result of Levy’s leadership, Tottenham’s financial situation is said to have been “transformed.” Levy, who is 63 years old, was able to successfully oversee the move to their state-of-the-art Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which is widely considered to be one of the best football grounds in the world.
The north London club’s supporters have expressed their dissatisfaction with the club’s relatively low level of success on the pitch. The club’s most recent major trophy victory came in 2008, when they defeated Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final.
The Spurs are currently in 14th place in the Premier League table, and they have already been eliminated from both of the domestic cup competitions that they have participated in this season under the direction of Ange Postecoglou.
The supporters are making preparations to stage a demonstration against the ownership of the club both before and after the home game against Manchester United on Sunday.
Due to the fact that Levy stated the previous year that Tottenham required “a significant increase in its equity base,” the club is currently looking for investment from outside individuals.
However, sources within the club have informed The Guardian that they are not currently engaged in negotiations regarding a takeover of the property.
In the past, investors from the United States and the Middle East have shown interest in Spurs; however, none of these parties have been able to meet the £3.75 billion valuation that has been placed on the Premier League club.
