The Glazer family has reportedly made an abrupt decision regarding the sale of Manchester United, with the deal now potentially in doubt.
It has been almost a year since United's owners announced that they were open to bids for a takeover.
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The race was largely contested by two parties: Qatari tycoon Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al Thani and British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
The former is understood to have pulled out of the bidding process, with the Glazers considering selling only a 25% ownership stake of the club to the latter.
New reports now suggest, however, that the Ratcliffe-led takeover could be scuppered due to the reigning owners' latest action.
According to The Telegraph, the Glazers have put the brakes on the INEOS owner's bid to buy up a quarter of the Red Devils, with the American family wanting to iron out a number of important details before potentially sealing the deal.
Ratcliffe's offer is worth a reported £1.4 billion (R32 billion), and sources have informed the abovementioned publication that the deal could yet be finalised over the next fortnight, while a club source has insisted that the 25% sale will not be completed until at least the start of November.
The English businessman has made it clear to the Glazers that he wants to play an active role in all football operations once the deal is completed, and will looking to bring in several individuals to help him steer the ship at Old Trafford.
This means that the positions of current CEO Richard Arnold and director of football John Murtough could be in danger.
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It is said there are 12 individuals on the United board who will vote on the Ratcliffe bid, but the final call ultimately rests with the Glazers, who control 69% of the club's shares but have 96% of the voting rights due to the complicated dual share structure.
That vote was originally set to take place on Thursday, but now looks to have been delayed.
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