Qatar was synonymous with soccer in 2022. In 2023 the Arab country will not have a World Cup, but its appetite for European clubs is keeping its name on the soccer marquees. In mid-February, a bid was expected from a group of Qatari investment funds to acquire Manchester United. investment funds from Qatar to acquire Manchester United, one of the most iconic clubs in the English Premier League, was expected in mid-February.

The club's share price rose on Monday, February 13, on the New York Stock Exchange, bringing its market capitalization to US$3.9 billion, according to Bloomberg. The Qataris will have to overcome a major hurdle, however: convincing UEFA authorities that they are a different group of investors than the owners of Paris Saint-Germain, another of Europe's football giants..

UEFA rules prevent two teams with the same majority shareholder from competing in the same tournament, which would leave them out of the European championships.which would leave them out of the European championships. It looks like it will be a long and complex match.

Europe's largest soccer clubs by revenue (million euros)
revenue (million euros)

Source: Deloitte Football Money League 2023