Who is Turki Alalshikh amid Man Utd takeover posts?
- Published
Turki Alalshikh is a Saudi Arabian government official who is among the most influential people in the world of boxing.
On Wednesday, Alalshikh posted a cryptic message on X suggesting Manchester United were in an 'advanced stage' of a takeover.
He said: "The best news I heard today is that Manchester United is now in an advanced stage of completing a deal to sell to a new investor.
"I hope he's better than the previous owners."
Multiple sources close to United said the claim was untrue.
In a second post on Thursday, Alalshikh clarified he was not the 'new investor', adding "nor are they from my nation".
Alalshikh owned Spanish football club Almeria from 2019 until earlier this year and also owned Egyptian club Pyramids FC between 2018 and 2019.
In September, Alalshikh was reportedly preparing a bid to buy Championship club Bristol City.
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- Published1 October
The 44-year-old played a key role in bringing a series of high-profile boxing bouts to Saudi Arabia, including world title fights involving Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.
Alalshikh is a prominent figure in the close circle of Saudi ruler Mohammed bin Salman and been criticised by human rights groups for his role in 'sportswashing'.
Saudi Arabia has been accused of using sport and culture to improve its reputation and to distract from the nation's poor human rights record.
Amnesty International criticised the country's poor treatment of women, use of the death penalty and its anti-LGBT stance.
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Links to Saudi government and sport
Turki Alalshikh (left) has become a prominent figure in boxing and other combat sports
Al-Sheikh is an adviser to the Saudi Royal Court operating closely under the power of Crown Prince Bin Salman, who is also the owner of football club Newcastle United.
Upon graduating from university, Al-Sheikh joined the state security department before becoming part of Bin Salman's office, prior to him becoming king.
In September 2017, he was appointed as the new chairman of the General Sports Authority and a year later became chairman of the General Entertainment Authority.
Al-Sheikh has played a key role in trying to turn Saudi Arabia into a regional entertainment hub under Bin Salman.
He is one of the figureheads behind boxing's Riyadh season following his plans to fix "broken" boxing.
Matchroom Boxing's promoter Eddie Hearn described him as a "true boxing fan", while Queensbury's Frank Warren defended playing the country's national anthem at events in the country.
Many critics claim Saudi's investment in boxing is to gain legitimacy and deflect attention from controversy over its human rights record.
In 2024, he purchased The Ring magazine off former professional boxer Oscar De La Hoya.
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