Blatter backs fans' bid to block Glazer
FIFA president Sepp Blatter has backed Manchester United supporters’ groups in their opposition to Malcolm Glazer’s attempts to buy the club – though insists he cannot use his position of power to intervene directly.
The figurehead of the sport’s world governing body wrote to Shareholders United, a group representing minority shareholders in the club, who are determined to head off the American businessman’s efforts to seize control of the club.
In his letter to SU, Blatter said: “Football has indeed changed over the years, but not all change has been for the better, and the continued commercialisation of football, as we can observe it, is one case in point. The good it produces for the few is the harm it does to the sport in the long run.
“The ideas (SU) propose are excellent but FIFA cannot interfere in national issues, nor must we do so. I shall give your initiative my utmost consideration and assure you we will not hesitate to include some of your thoughts and suggestions in our internal discussions without delay.”
SU have also been boosted by news that US-based law firm Weil Gotshal and Manges have offered to advise them for free in their fight against Glazer, who has redefined the terms of an offer for the 29% stake held by Cubic Expression pair John Magnier and JP McManus.
