man UTD Lose Zilliacus Offer

Thomas Zilliacus has withdrawn his offer to buy Manchester United.

The decision comes after saying the Finnish entrepreneur described the decision to go to a third round of bidding is a “farce” and accused the Glazer family of giving “no respect to the club”.

Zilliacus’s bid was one of three received during the second round of offers in March. Also in the running are bids from Sheikh Jassim, the Chairman of leading Qatari bank QIB and Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos group.

Via Twitter, Zilliacus, stated, “The delays will make it very difficult for any new owner to build a winning team for next season.”

“The bidding is turning into a farce, with Glazers giving no respect to the club.

“Jim Ratcliffe, Sheik Jassim and myself all were ready to negotiate a deal to buy United. Instead Glazers chose to start a new round.

“I will not participate in a farce set up to maximize the profit for the sellers at the expense of Manchester United.”

Zilliacus, who has previously been involved with HJK Helsinki and ice hockey champions Jokerit in his homeland, is the founder and Chairman of new social media organisation novaM Group.

He wanted to buy United through XXI Century Capital, an investment firm owned by his holding company.

Following Zilliacus’ withdrawal, only two parties will remain for the third round of bidding for one of English football’s biggest clubs.

Sheikh Jassim will be expected to submit a new bid to buy 100% of the club in which is expected the highest offer for a British football club in history, with Ratcliffe likely to continue following a strategy of attempting to purchase the Glazer family’s 69% shareholding.

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