Dear FIFA ,
We, the campaign “MCF AGAINST SPORTSWAHING,” are writing to draw your attention to a matter of significant concern regarding alleged corruption and financial irregularities within the realm of football, particularly focusing on Manchester City Football Club (MCFC), its ownership under Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the club’s Chairman, Khaldoon Al Mubarak.
The allegations of corruption and financial improprieties have been brought to light through a leaked report, obtained by diligent investigators. This official report revealed that MCFC received substantial payments amounting to $30 million from the United Arab Emirates. These funds were funneled through an intermediary entity, in violation of established financial norms and regulations.
Furthermore, the report highlighted that UEFA had compiled this information in 2020 but, regrettably, did not make it publicly available due to undisclosed reasons. The report specifically delved into payments made to the club during 2012 and 2013 by the club’s main sponsors. These transactions breached UEFA financial regulations that stipulate limitations on the monetary contributions club owners can inject.
UEFA’s Club Financial Control Board explicitly outlined that these payments did not originate from the primary sponsor, Etisalat, but rather emanated from the Abu Dhabi United Group (ADUG), an investment consortium overseen by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who also holds ownership of MCFC. This diversion of funds was termed ‘disguised equity funding’.
Moreover, during disciplinary hearings, Manchester City’s legal representative disclosed the involvement of an individual named “Jaber Mohamed,” functioning as a broker facilitating financial transactions for commercial entities. The report rightly questioned the necessity for Etisalat or ADUG to enlist the services of a broker for discharging sponsorship liabilities.
The subsequent legal proceedings saw UEFA impose a 2-year ban on the club in 2019. However, this ban was later overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) due to the unavailability of a key witness, Jaber Mohamed, to testify. Over a hundred allegations were filed against MCFC, including non-cooperation with investigators and failure to furnish requested documents spanning from 2018-2023.
The report also shed light on the club management’s awareness of the nature of these payments, clarifying that the £30 million paid by Jaber Mohamed was categorized as equity funding rather than genuine sponsorship liabilities.
In addition to the corruption allegations, financial discrepancies were identified in the funding received from the club’s lead sponsor, Etihad Airways. The funds were found to be sourced once again from ADUG, as revealed in leaked Man City emails published by Der Spiegel.
These revelations have raised significant concerns within the football community and amongst supporters. The allegations suggest a breach of financial regulations and a misuse of sponsorship funding, jeopardizing the fairness and integrity of the game we all cherish.
We urge your esteemed institution to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into these allegations, ensuring adherence to fair play and transparency within the football arena. The credibility of the sport demands stringent action, and we have confidence in your institution’s commitment to upholding justice and transparency.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. We eagerly await your response and the steps your institution will take to address these grave concerns.
Sincerely,
MCF AGAINST SPORTSWAHING
