…Researched and contributed by Solomon Thomas.
Thomas Zilliacus, a bidder for Manchester United, has withdrawn from the race to purchase the club and criticised the “farce” that the bidding process has become.
Zilliacus tweeted that he, Jim Ratcliffe, and Sheikh Jassim were all prepared to negotiate a deal to buy the club, but the Glazers chose to start a new round.
Zilliacus criticised the extension of the deadline for bids, saying that it was a way to maximise profit for the Glazers.
It is unclear if the further delay will deter the other bidders.
Zilliacus had wanted to put fans at the centre of the bid, proposing a fan-led takeover.
His statement reads that his bid is built on equality with the fans and that his group will finance half of the sum needed to take over the club.
He further mentioned that every fan who joins will have access to an app, which the fan can use to participate and cast their vote when deciding on footballing matters relating to the club.
Zilliacus withdrew from the bidding race and said he will not participate in the farce set up to maximise profit for the sellers at the expense of Manchester United.
Zilliacus faced stiff competition from the favourites, and his current net worth is unknown, but it was not believed to rival that of Sir Jim or Sheikh Jassim.
Both parties submitted their second bid last month, and the sale process has now entered its third round.
The Glazer family has extended the process for a potential sale.