Manchester City’s glittering trophy cabinet stands as a testament to modern football dominance, but behind the silverware lies a narrative of immense power wielded by its UAE owners. This article delves into the “two faces” of that influence: the on-pitch triumphs led by manager Pep Guardiola and the off-pitch geopolitical maneuvers, particularly the UAE’s complex playbook in Sudan’s civil war. As global scrutiny intensifies on sportswashing, understanding this duality reveals how football and foreign policy intersect.
Man City’s Trophy Haul Under Guardiola
Pep Guardiola, often hailed as Man City’s “trophy-laden boss,” transformed the club since arriving in 2016. His era has delivered unprecedented success, including multiple Premier League titles, FA Cups, and European glory.
A Decade of Domestic Supremacy
Guardiola’s side clinched the Premier League in 2017-18, 2018-19, 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24, shattering records with 100 points in one season. The League Cup tally reached eight under his watch, with wins in 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021. These feats stem from his tactical genius—possession-based “tiki-taka” evolved into fluid, high-pressing dominance that overwhelmed rivals like Manchester United and Liverpool.
The Community Shield victories in 2018, 2019, and 2024 further cemented this run, showcasing squad depth with stars like Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne. By 2026, City’s total major honors neared 40, turning Etihad Stadium into a fortress of silverware.
European and Global Breakthroughs
The 2022-23 Champions League triumph—beating Inter Milan 1-0—marked City’s first in that competition, followed by the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup in 2023. Guardiola’s adaptability shone here, blending English grit with continental flair. These wins elevated City from domestic powerhouse to global elite, with revenues soaring past £700 million annually.
Critics note the 115 financial fair play charges, yet Guardiola’s results silence doubters, proving power on the pitch translates to brand value.
The UAE Ownership: City Football Group’s Rise
Manchester City’s transformation traces back to 2008, when Abu Dhabi United Group (ADUG), led by Sheikh Mansour, acquired the club for £210 million. This UAE royal investment birthed City Football Group (CFG), now owning 13 clubs worldwide.
Sport as Soft Power
ADUG’s strategy fused oil wealth with football ambition, hiring Guardiola to execute a vision of sustained excellence. Investments in the Etihad Campus academy and global scouting networks yielded homegrown talents like Phil Foden. CFG’s portfolio, from New York City FC to Melbourne City, amplifies Manchester’s reach, with the club valued at over £5 billion by 2026.
This model exemplifies UAE’s soft power: football launders Abu Dhabi’s image amid human rights critiques, drawing tourists and investors.
Financial Muscle and Controversies
Sheikh Mansour’s £1 billion+ personal investment fueled signings like Jack Grealish (£100m) and Haaland (£51m). Yet, the 2023 Premier League charges allege hidden funding from Abu Dhabi, inflating sponsorships. City denies wrongdoing, but the saga underscores how ownership power blurs lines between legitimate business and state influence.
UAE’s Geopolitical Playbook in Sudan
While Guardiola stacks trophies, the UAE—via Mansour’s family ties—pursues a harder face of power in Sudan’s 2023-ongoing civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Proxy Warfare and Arms Support
Reports link the UAE to RSF backing, supplying drones, ammunition, and logistics through allies in Chad and Libya. UN investigations in 2025 highlighted UAE-flagged planes delivering weapons, fueling atrocities in Khartoum. This aligns with Abu Dhabi’s anti-Islamist stance, viewing RSF leader Hemedti as a buffer against SAF’s Muslim Brotherhood ties.
The UAE denies direct involvement, framing aid as humanitarian, but satellite imagery shows Emirati Antonov transports at RSF bases. Casualties exceed 20,000, with 10 million displaced, amplifying UAE’s regional clout.
Economic Stakes: Gold and Ports
Sudan’s gold mines, producing 40% of UAE imports pre-war, drive strategy—RSF controls key sites like Jebel Amir. UAE firm Abraaj Group eyes post-war reconstruction, securing Port Sudan access for Red Sea trade. This “playbook” mirrors Yemen interventions: arm proxies, extract resources, project influence without full commitment.
Critics, including US lawmakers, urge sanctions, citing UAE’s £4 billion gold trade with RSF networks. Yet, diplomatic ties persist, with UAE mediating ceasefires selectively.
Connecting the Dots: Sportswashing Sudan-Style?
The “two faces” converge in scrutiny: Man City’s glamour contrasts UAE’s Sudan shadow, sparking sportswashing accusations. Amnesty International argues CFG trophies whitewash Abu Dhabi’s record, from migrant worker abuses to Horn of Africa meddling.
Guardiola’s Silence and Fan Backlash
Pep rarely addresses politics, focusing on “beautiful football,” but 2025 protests at matches highlighted Sudan links. City fans split—some celebrate trophies, others demand transparency. CFG’s diversity initiatives ring hollow amid Khartoum bombings allegedly UAE-enabled.
Global Ramifications
This duality boosts UAE leverage: football fandom softens Sudan hawks. President Trump’s 2025 UAE arms deals ignored Sudan, prioritizing Gulf stability. For City, success endures—2025-26 title chase looms—but ethical clouds linger.
| Aspect | Man City Triumphs | UAE Sudan Playbook |
| Leadership | Pep Guardiola (tactical mastery) | Sheikh Mansour/ADUG (proxy arms) |
| Key Achievements | 6 PL titles, 1 UCL (2016-2026) | RSF support, gold control (2023-) |
| Power Projection | Global fanbase, £700m revenue | Regional influence, resource grab |
| Controversies | FFP charges | UN sanctions probes |
| Public Perception | Heroic dominance | Geopolitical opportunism |
Why This Matters for Football’s Future
Man City’s boss embodies sporting power’s allure, stacking trophies that redefine success. Yet, UAE’s Sudan playbook reveals power’s cost—proxy wars erode moral high ground. As 2026 scrutiny grows, with FIFA ethics probes, the club must navigate this tension.
Fans crave glory, but transparency could fortify legacy. Guardiola’s genius thrives in the spotlight; will owners match it off-pitch? This tale warns: unchecked power, be it pitch or proxy, demands accountability.
