Sheikh Mansour, a member of Abu Dhabi’s ruling family and the proprietor of Manchester City Football Club, has found himself embroiled in controversy linked to human rights concerns in the UAE. Within the UAE, he holds the positions of deputy prime minister, minister of presidential affairs, and is the half-brother of the president.
The UAE has faced condemnation from Amnesty International on various fronts, including unfair trials, restricted freedom of expression, a lack of investigation into torture allegations, gender discrimination, and the mistreatment of migrant workers.
Furthermore, Sheikh Mansour has faced allegations of engaging in “sportswashing,” a practice where sports investments are used to enhance one’s public image and divert attention from human rights issues in their home country. In 2022, he attracted criticism from the UK government for his meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who stands accused of employing chemical weapons against his own citizens. Here is a look at the scandals of Sheikh Mansour.
Controversy Surrounding Manchester City
In 2008, Sheikh Mansour acquired Manchester City Football Club and has since invested approximately £1 billion from his substantial wealth as a member of Abu Dhabi’s ruling family. His primary objective has been to acquire and financially support top-tier football talent, thereby elevating City’s success in the sport.
Manchester City has been subject to extensive scrutiny over the years, resulting in fines and investigations related to sponsorship arrangements. The club’s valuation, estimated at $4 billion by Forbes, highlights its significance, with Sheikh Mansour having invested approximately $1.8 billion since the takeover in 2008.
Allegations have emerged suggesting that a “mystery” sponsorship from the United Arab Emirates provided $38 million to Manchester City through illegal means, raising questions about the club’s financial practices.
The Premier League’s case against Manchester City extends beyond financial fair play rules and includes allegations of fraud, dishonesty, and a failure to accurately disclose information. Former UEFA chief investigator Yves Leterme has expressed his conviction that fraud has occurred within the club.
Manchester City has faced accusations of violating financial fair play rules in the Premier League. The club has been accused of attempting to circumvent regulations and failing to provide accurate financial information.
The Premier League has leveled more than 100 charges against Manchester City, spanning a nine-year period from 2009 to 2018. These charges pertain to various aspects, including the club’s financial reporting, remuneration practices, compliance with UEFA regulations, and their level of cooperation during Premier League investigations.
In 2019, Silver Lake made a groundbreaking $500 million investment in City Football Group, the overarching entity behind Manchester City Football Club, establishing a historic benchmark for soccer valuations.
The UAE is Trampling Human Rights: Man City Must Finally Speak Out
The unpublished 2020 UEFA report asserts that an undisclosed individual from the United Arab Emirates provided Manchester City F.C. with £30 million in funding. Additionally, it suggests that the source of this funding can be traced back to the team’s owners, the Abu Dhabi United Group (ADUG), under the ownership of Mansour.
In its 2017-18 report, Amnesty International criticized the UAE for its unjust legal proceedings, restrictions on freedom of expression, the neglect of allegations of torture investigations, and exploitation of migrant laborers. While some City fans were aware of the UAE’s questionable human rights record, many chose to overlook it.
Arabtec, the UAE’s largest construction company, which has faced recurrent criticism from organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch for its subpar treatment of migrant workers, has entered into a sponsorship agreement with Manchester City.
The Sheikh Mansour controversy surrounding Manchester City doesn’t seem to end here. It has faced criticism due to his affiliation with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a country with a troubled human rights track record. Amnesty International has denounced the UAE for issues such as unfair trials, restrictions on freedom of expression, inadequate investigations into torture allegations, gender discrimination, and mistreatment of migrant workers.
Sheikh Mansour Meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad
Manchester City’s billionaire owner, Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has ignited a wave of outrage following the circulation of images showing him embracing Syria’s brutal dictator, Bashar al-Assad. Additionally, Sheikh Mansour was observed walking alongside the president, who has infamously employed chemical weapons against his own people.
Criticism arose when Sheikh Mansour met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who is an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, raising questions about diplomatic relationships and international politics. The UAE has faced criticism for its human rights record, leading some to call on Manchester City to address these concerns. Furthermore, allegations of fraud, deceit, and a lack of transparency in providing accurate information have been directed at Manchester City.
Why Sheikh Mansour Is One of the Most Corrupt Rulers?
Mansour bin Zayed is widely criticized for alleged involvement in corrupt practices within the United Arab Emirates, particularly concerning financial embezzlement and the misappropriation of state resources to fulfill personal desires.
He holds key positions as the deputy prime minister and minister of presidential affairs in Abu Dhabi, and he is a prominent member of the royal Al Nahyan family. Additionally, Mansour is known as the owner of Manchester City, a club he acquired over a decade ago, investing billions of dollars to secure championship victories.
Mansour and his family have faced numerous allegations of involvement in human rights violations, alongside accusations of using Manchester City and the world of football to improve their state’s international image. The regime they are associated with has been accused of committing various human rights abuses.
Taking Advantage of Saudi Rulers
In November, FIFA initiated an investigation into reports suggesting that Manchester City had engaged in questionable dealings with the Dutch club Nordschiland, particularly in relation to the recruitment of young players.
Mansour’s reputation was further tarnished when it was revealed that he had taken advantage of Saudi businessmen seeking to move funds out of Saudi Arabia due to concerns about Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s influence.
In exchange for his services, Mansour facilitated the transfer of wealthy Saudis’ funds abroad, taking a substantial 50 percent cut. This arrangement led some Saudis to quip that “half the amount is better than having MBS take the whole amount.
