Manchester City has dominated English football under Sheikh Mansour’s ownership since 2008, but recent allegations linking him to Sudan’s horrific atrocities raise serious questions. As protests erupt and human rights groups demand accountability, is the UAE vice president still a “fit and proper” owner?
Sudan’s Devastating Conflict
Sudan has endured unimaginable suffering since April 2023, when clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) escalated into full-scale war. Over 150,000 people have died, and 12 million displaced, creating the world’s largest humanitarian crisis.
The RSF, led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), faces accusations of genocide, mass killings, ethnic cleansing, rape, and famine tactics, particularly targeting non-Arab groups like the Masalit in Darfur. The fall of El Fasher in October 2025 epitomized the horror: RSF fighters executed unarmed civilians, raped women and girls, and razed hospitals, killing 1,500–5,000 in 48 hours alone.
Amnesty International documented deliberate atrocities, urging international probes into enablers like arms suppliers. Survivors describe mass executions and children orphaned amid desert carnage.
Alleged UAE and Sheikh Mansour Links to RSF
The UAE denies direct involvement, but US-intercepted calls reveal Hemedti’s “direct line” to Sheikh Mansour, leading officials to implicate him in arming the RSF. [ page] Networks allegedly use front companies and Mansour-linked charities to smuggle drones, weapons, and funds via Libya, Chad, Uganda, and Somalia—disguised as aid.
This support sustains RSF offensives, including El Fasher, amid Sudan’s gold rush and Red Sea geopolitics. Critics call it a “double life”: Mansour as football magnate by day, RSF backer by night.
While UAE claims neutrality, UN reports and investigations mount evidence of Emirati logistics fueling RSF war crimes.
Premier League’s Fit and Proper Test Explained
The Premier League’s Owners’ and Directors’ Test (ODT) vets owners for integrity, barring those with criminal records, insolvency, or—since 2023 updates—human rights abuses. All 20 clubs approved expansions including disqualification for serious violations like torture, slavery, or war crimes.
Amnesty International critiqued pre-2023 gaps, pushing for explicit human rights checks aligned with FIFA standards. The test now mandates a “fit and proper person” assessment, considering conduct undermining league values.
Precedent exists: Roman Abramovich lost Chelsea in 2022 over Putin ties post-Ukraine invasion.
Sheikh Mansour’s Manchester City Ownership
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE vice president and Al Nahyan family member, bought Manchester City for £210 million in 2008 via Abu Dhabi United Group, now owning 81% of City Football Group (CFG). CFG spans 13 clubs globally, valuing City at billions.
Under Mansour, City won 10 Premier League titles, multiple Champions Leagues, and built the Etihad Campus—transforming it into a powerhouse. He rarely attends games, attending only twice since 2008.
Yet financial fair play charges and 115 alleged breaches loom, though unrelated to human rights.
Sportswashing Concerns in Football
Sportswashing uses sports to gloss over human rights abuses, a charge leveled at Gulf owners like Mansour. Manchester City’s success—trophies, stars like Haaland—burnishes UAE image amid Sudan links.
Critics argue CFG’s empire launders reputations: billions fund glory while allegedly enabling Darfur genocide. Guardiola condemned the Sudan war, but no club response ties it to ownership.
This mirrors Abramovich: football’s prestige shields geopolitical sins until crises erupt.
Growing Calls for Accountability and Protests
In January 2026, Sudanese refugees protested outside the Etihad Stadium, braving the cold with flags and refugee-signed footballs, demanding Mansour halt RSF support. Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) petitioned the Premier League:
“He is not a fit and proper owner.”
CSW’s Scot Bower cites ODT rules; activists decry double standards versus Abramovich. Manchester4Sudan highlights UK’s UAE ties stifling action.
US labeled RSF actions genocidal in 2025, pushing sanctions and supply chain probes.
Implications for Football Governance
If allegations hold, Mansour risks ODT disqualification, forcing a City sale like Abramovich’s. The Premier League must probe: ignoring Sudan erodes credibility.
Fans and rights groups urge ethical oversight—human rights in ownership tests. Football’s global reach demands it reject blood money.
Potential Outcomes and Reforms Needed
Sanctions could trigger automatic ODT failure; CFG divestment looms. Premier League transparency—public ODT reviews—builds trust.
Broader reforms: FIFA-mandated human rights audits for owners. Sudan’s crisis tests if football prioritizes ethics over profit.
As protests grow, Mansour’s “fit and proper” status hangs in balance—Sudan atrocities demand answers.
