Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and his team repeatedly failed to provide proof of funding during their negotiations to buy Manchester United.

The Qatari businessman was engaged in talks between February 2023 and October 2023, when he withdrew from the process, but according to documents published on Wednesday, did not provide “customary financing commitment letters.”

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ESPN has contacted Sheikh Jassim for a response.

It was announced on Christmas Eve that British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe has reached an agreement to buy a 25% stake for £1.3 billion ($1.65bn), more than a year after owners, the Glazer Family, revealed their intention to undertake a “strategic review” in November 2022. Ratcliffe’s deal is set to be ratified next month.

A filing on the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) detailing United’s search for either a new owner or new investment has showed that Raine, the merchant bank handling the process, initially entered into 26 non-disclosure agreements with interested parties.

Following months of talks, Sheikh Jassim officially informed United of his intention to withdraw on Oct. 15, 2023 with sources close to the bid citing “frustration” that the Glazers’ valuation of the club was “unrealistic.”

Sheikh Jassim’s bid was for 100% ownership while the SEC documents show that Ratcliffe began to pivot towards an offer to buy a minority shareholding, rather than majority ownership, in the summer of 2023.

The deal will see Ratcliffe and his INEOS team, headed by Sir Dave Brailsford and Jean-Claude Blanc, assume control of football operations once the agreement officially gets the green light.

Ratcliffe will get first refusal if the Glazers decide to sell more shares, although there is no formal pathway for the INEOS CEO to take control at Old Trafford.

The Glazers, who remain majority owners, can also force Ratcliffe to sell his shares following an initial 18-month period if a new buyer emerges.

Meanwhile, United have agreed a deal with Manchester Metropolitan University’s Institute of Sport that will allow access to the university’s research studies to help the performance of their men’s, women’s and academy teams.

John Murtough, United’s Football Director, said: “We are constantly striving to be at the forefront of innovation and advancement in football performance and this initiative will reinforce those efforts.”