Manchester City fans and Sudanese activists are turning up the heat on the club’s UAE owner amid explosive new briefings revealing an alleged arms pipeline to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF). These developments spotlight the intersection of global sports, geopolitics, and humanitarian crises. As protests unfold outside the Etihad Stadium, questions mount about accountability in football ownership.
Sudan’s Devastating Civil War
Sudan’s conflict erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary RSF, formerly known as the Janjaweed militia. The war has displaced millions, triggered famine affecting half the population, and led to accusations of genocide, ethnic cleansing, and widespread atrocities, particularly in Darfur.
The RSF, led by Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), has captured key areas like Al-Fasher, killing thousands and committing massacres. Both sides face war crimes allegations, but the RSF’s advances rely heavily on external support, exacerbating the world’s largest humanitarian crisis.
Evidence of UAE Arms Support to RSF
New U.S. congressional briefings in early 2025 confirmed the UAE is supplying weapons to the RSF, contradicting Abu Dhabi‘s denials. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Rep. Sara Jacobs cited Biden Administration intelligence, including intercepted calls between Hemedti and UAE Vice President Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Manchester City’s owner.
Key Supply Routes Exposed
The UAE allegedly routes arms through Chad’s Amdjarass airstrip—86 flights documented since 2023—and Libya’s Haftar-controlled areas like Al-Khadim and Benina. Fuel from Libya’s Sarir refinery and South Sudan sustains RSF operations, with UK-made targeting systems from firms like Militec found in RSF bases.
UN panels and Sudanese military dossiers from 2024-2025 detail UAE-origin ammunition, drones, vehicles, and mercenaries funneled via Uganda and Somalia. Despite UAE claims of humanitarian flights, satellite imagery and flight data contradict this.
U.S. Response and Arms Sale Blocks
In January 2025, Van Hollen and Jacobs announced plans to block $1.2 billion in U.S. arms sales to the UAE until it halts RSF support. They reintroduced the Stand Up for Sudan Act in March 2025, arguing it severs the RSF supply chain and promotes peace.
The UAE promised no future transfers but evidence persists, prompting ongoing scrutiny. This echoes broader calls from UN experts and Amnesty International for embargo enforcement.
Protests Link ManCity to Sudan Crisis
In January 2026, around 20 Sudanese activists braved Manchester’s cold outside the Etihad Stadium, protesting Sheikh Mansour’s alleged RSF role. Organized by Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) and Manchester4Sudan, they displayed refugee-signed footballs and launched a Premier League petition.
Protesters like Farid Kelana and Mohaned Elnour demanded Mansour end support for Hemedti, citing war crimes funded by UAE ties. CSW’s Scot Bower argued Mansour fails the Premier League’s “fit and proper” test. Passing cars honked support, highlighting diaspora outrage.
Guardiola’s Comments Fuel Debate
ManCity manager Pep Guardiola condemned Sudan’s war in late 2025, drawing parallels to global inaction. Activists like Mohannad Taha criticized unmade connections to the club’s ownership.
Premier League Ownership Rules Under Fire
The Premier League updated its Owners’ and Directors’ Test in 2023 to disqualify human rights abusers, including those linked to war crimes or violence. Precedent includes Roman Abramovich’s 2022 Chelsea seizure over Ukraine ties.
Groups like Amnesty urge enforcement against Mansour, questioning UK-UAE economic ties’ influence. Petitions demand investigation, arguing football’s cultural power can pressure change.
Humanitarian Toll and Global Implications
Over 10 million Sudanese are displaced, with RSF atrocities including sexual violence and child killings. UAE gold trade with RSF prolongs suffering. Protests amplify calls for boycotts, echoing Emirates airline backlash.
International action could stem the arms flow, but geopolitical alliances complicate efforts. Football’s spotlight on Mansour underscores the sport’s role in human rights advocacy.
Path Forward Amid Controversy
New briefings and protests signal mounting pressure on the UAE and ManCity ownership. While Abu Dhabi denies involvement, evidence demands transparency. Stakeholders from fans to lawmakers push for accountability, potentially reshaping Premier League ethics.
