Meet Manchester United Qatari bidder, Sheikh Al-Thani

The world of football is buzzing with excitement as news has emerged that a Qatari banker, Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani, has thrown his hat into the ring to acquire the coveted 13-time Premier League winners, Manchester United.

Sheikh Jassim’s bid has made him one of the two bidders who have publicly come out to bid for the English club, after the current owners of the club announced their intention to sell three months ago. If his bid is successful, Sheikh Jassim’s unique background and expertise will undoubtedly bring an interesting twist to the management and operations of Manchester United.

Today, TopNaija.ng brings you some intriguing and lesser-known facts about Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani that are worth exploring

1. Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani, a Qatari banker and a long-time supporter of Manchester United, has submitted a bid to acquire 100% ownership of the English football club. He became one of the two bidders who have publicly come out to bid for the club on Friday, after the current owners of the club announced their intention to sell three months ago.

2. Sheikh Jassim was born in August 1982 and is the son of Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who served as Qatar’s prime minister between 2007 and 2013. He is a member of the ruling family of Qatar, one of the wealthiest families in the world.

3. He attended the prestigious Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst, United Kingdom, where he graduated as an officer cadet. This educational background demonstrates his commitment to leadership and discipline, which could be relevant if he becomes the owner of a major football club.

4. Sheikh Jassim currently serves as the chairman of the Qatar Islamic Bank, one of the leading banks in Qatar, and one of the Middle East’s top 30 most valuable companies, according to Forbes. This indicates his experience in financial management, which could be relevant to the management of Manchester United.

1. He was once a board member of Credit Suisse Group, a leading global financial services company, which adds to his experience in the financial industry.

2. Sheikh Jassim is currently married to his cousin Sheikha Bothaina bint Hamad Al Thani, and they have eight children together. This information sheds light on his personal life and family background.

3. Sheikh Jassim was the heir apparent to his father, but he rejected the position as Crown Prince in 2003. This decision could indicate that he has other priorities and interests beyond traditional royal duties.

4. He is the older brother of Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the current Emir of Qatar, which gives him a significant influence and access to resources and networks.

5. Before becoming heir apparent, Sheikh Jassim was a second lieutenant in the Qatari armed forces, which shows his commitment to serving his country and highlights his military background.

6. Sheikh Jassim is a philanthropist and has donated significant sums to charity. In 2011, he pledged $2 million to support the victims of the famine in Somalia. He has also supported various initiatives in Qatar and internationally, including healthcare, education, and poverty reduction.

7. Sheikh Jassim is an avid sports enthusiast and has a passion for equestrian sports. He has participated in several international equestrian competitions and has won numerous awards for his horsemanship.

8. In 2013, Sheikh Jassim was named by Arabian Business as one of the 100 most powerful Arabs under the age of 40. This recognition highlights his business acumen, financial expertise, and influence in the region.