- BSkyB's controversial bid for Manchester United has been referred to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission by the Office of Fair Trading.
The move, which was made because of "concerns for the wider public interest", follows strong protests from politicians and fans alike. The OFT is likely to lay down guidelines for such acquisitions, as several other media companies look to acquire FA Premiership clubs.
The inquiry will mean BSkyB's bid for Manchester United will lapse and can only be resubmitted after the MMC publishes its report early next spring.
BSkyB, which is 40 per cent owned by Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation, owns 11.2 per cent of the club's shares and has an option on the 14.1 per cent of shares held by club chairman Martin Edwards.
Both BSkyB and Manchester United said they were confident the deal will go through as planned.
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