The Manchester United takeover process has been blasted as being a "dirty derby" between the two frontrunners by Greenpeace.
British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe is leading one bid for a full takeover, while Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani is fronting the other offer. Both groups are holding talks with representatives of the Red Devils, with Ratcliffe flying into Manchester on Friday.
But there are non-football related concerns over both contenders, with Al Thani's bid seen as being closely linked to the Qatari state and Ratcliffe being the founder and owner of chemical giant Ineos. Qatar has faced widespread condemnation over human rights abuses.
Ineos has also been criticised over environmental concerns, with global campaigning network Greenpeace now taking aim at both bids. Greenpeace branded the process a "dirty derby" arguing both bids were attempting to sportwash their reputations.
“It’s worrying that the Man Utd bidding process has turned into a dirty derby between entities linked to fossil fuels," Areeba Hamid, Greenpeace UK's co-executive director, said in a statement to Mirror Football.
"Kicked out of museums and art galleries, oil and gas is now invading the world of sport desperately looking for popular brands behind which to hide its climate-wrecking business. The Qatari Islamic Bank gets some of its revenues from oil and gas.
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"INEOS is a major producer of plastic, toxic pesticides and fossil fuels, as well as one of the UK's leading fracking firms. Having already plastered its brand all over cycling, sailing, football, running and rugby, INEOS is the undisputed champion of sportswashing. Whichever way this derby goes, the winner won’t be the climate."
Mirror Football has approached Ineos and Sheikh Jassim's representatives for comment.
Greenpeace's criticism comes as Ratcliffe arrived at Old Trafford to meet staff and to be given a presentation. He was greeted by United chief executive Richard Arnold at the entrance to the club's stadium.
As well as a presentation, Ratcliffe is set to be given a tour of both Old Trafford and the club's Carrington training ground. US bank Raine Group are overseeing the sale, as confirmed in the original November statement confirming the Glazers' plans to listen to offers.
The deadline for improved bids has been pushed back 10 days, with neither offer so far matching the Glazers' £5billion price tag. Ratcliffe is seeking to buyout the Glazers' 69 per cent stake in the club and has already spoken of his plans.
"We would see our role as the long-term custodians of Manchester United on behalf of the fans and the wider community. We are ambitious and highly competitive and would want to invest to make them the number one club in the world once again," a statement read.
"We want a Manchester United anchored in its proud history and roots in the North-West of England, putting the Manchester back into Manchester United and clearly focusing on winning the Champions League."
