The father of would-be Manchester United owner Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani insisted his son's bid for the club should simply be treated as an investment opportunity.
Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, the former prime minister of Qatar, dismissed suggestions the debt-free takeover would be used as an "advertisement" for his country. Sheikh Jassim is the chairman of one of Qatar's largest banks and is the face of a bid for a full takeover at Old Trafford submitted last month.
Amnesty International has raised concerns that Qatari tycoons with intrinsic links to the country's rulers buying United would represent a concerning case of sportswashing. However, Sheikh Hamad, who it's believed is bankrolling his son's bid - has little interest in using the Red Devils as a means to enhance Qatar's reputation... or even owning the club at all.
