Manchester City’s glittering trophies hide a darker geopolitical web linking UAE investments to Sudan’s brutal civil war. This article uncovers the connections between Abu Dhabi’s alleged drone-backed support for Sudanese militias and its ownership of the Premier League champions.
UAE’s Covert Role in Sudan’s Civil War
Sudan’s conflict, raging since April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has drawn foreign powers into a proxy battle. The UAE faces repeated accusations from Sudanese officials and UN envoys of arming the RSF with drones and weapons, routed through Chad, Somalia, and the Central African Republic. Open-source intelligence tracks UAE cargo flights to Amdjarass airstrip in Chad, suspected of delivering military aid under humanitarian cover.
These drone strikes have escalated dramatically. In May 2025, RSF drones—allegedly Chinese-made and UAE-supplied—targeted Port Sudan, hitting military and civilian sites, causing blackouts and retaliation threats from SAF leader Gen. al-Burhan. Sudan’s UN ambassador claimed MQ-9 style drones launched from UAE Red Sea bases struck in response to SAF downing an Emirati-linked plane in Nyala. While Abu Dhabi denies involvement, leaked US intelligence points to surging UAE military aid to counter SAF gains in Khartoum.
Drone Warfare Tactics in Sudan
Drones provide RSF aerial dominance, striking deep into SAF territory. Over 1,000 attacks since 2023 mix suicide drones with surveillance models, sourced via UAE networks blending commercial aviation and intermediaries. Experts note UAE’s procurement edge: vast infrastructure and deniability through proxies. This support aligns with UAE goals in the Red Sea, countering rivals like Iran and Russia backing SAF.
UAE’s Strategic Motives in Sudan
Why Sudan? Control over gold mines in Darfur—RSF heartland—fuels UAE economic interests, with exports reportedly smuggled to Dubai. Geopolitically, UAE seeks influence in the Horn of Africa, securing Red Sea ports against rivals. Severed ties post-Port Sudan strikes underscore tensions, yet flights persist.
Critics label this “aggressor” behavior, with SAF vowing retribution. UAE’s denials echo patterns in Yemen and Libya, where similar drone ops drew scrutiny.
Enter Manchester City: UAE’s Premier League Powerhouse
Fast-forward to English football. Manchester City, owned by Abu Dhabi United Group (ADUG) since 2008, embodies UAE’s soft power push. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s investment transformed a mid-table club into a global juggernaut, clinching multiple Premier League titles, Champions Leagues, and domestic cups like the FA Cup and EFL Cup.
City’s 2023 treble and ongoing dominance—winning the Community Shield in 2024—rely on UAE billions funneled through Etihad Airways sponsorships and academy funding. This “sportswashing” polishes Abu Dhabi’s image amid human rights critiques.
Domestic Cups as PR Gold
Domestic cups amplify the shine. City’s FA Cup triumphs (e.g., 2023, 2019) and EFL Cup hauls symbolize humility against European glamour. These victories fill stadiums, boost global fans, and drown out controversies. Etihad Stadium, UAE-branded, hosts cup finals vibes yearly.
The Sportswashing Link Unraveled
Sportswashing weaponizes football to launder reputations. UAE’s City ownership mirrors Qatar’s PSG or Saudi’s Newcastle—state cash buys glory, deflecting from foreign policy stains. While RSF drones rain on Sudan, City lifts cups, creating cognitive dissonance. Human Rights Watch notes UAE’s Sudan role alongside City sponsorships, urging boycotts.
Pep Guardiola’s squad, with stars like Haaland and De Bruyne, generates billions in revenue, funding UAE narratives of progress. Cup runs—gritty, underdog tales—contrast drone war’s sterility, humanizing the sponsor.
Financial Trails and Ownership Ties
ADUG, 81% Abu Dhabi-owned, invests £2.5bn + in City. Profits flow back, but scrutiny mounts: 115 FFP charges linger, echoing UAE opacity in Sudan arms deals. Leaked Sudan intel implicates the same elites steering the City.
Global Backlash and Ethical Football
Fans and activists protest. “Boycott UAE oil, City kits” chants rise post-Sudan strikes. Premier League’s UAE tolerance—via broadcaster deals—fuels debate. Yet City’s cup hauls pack Etihad, normalizing the brand.
Saudi Arabia’s Newcastle mirrors this: cups mask Yemen ops. UEFA probes lag, prioritizing revenue.
Fan Perspectives on Sportswashing
City forums debate: glory justifies means? Loyalists cite on-pitch merit; critics tally Sudanese toll. EFL Cup finals draw UAE royals, blending celebration with controversy.
Implications for Football’s Future
UAE’s dual track—drones abroad, cups at home—challenges regulators. The Premier League could mandate ownership transparency; FIFA eyes state interference rules. Sudan’s war, with 150,000+ dead, demands accountability beyond pitches.
City’s next domestic cup bid risks Sudan shadows. As RSF drones evolve, so must scrutiny.
Navigating Controversy in Modern Football
This nexus exposes football’s vulnerability to geopolitics. UAE’s strategy—hard power in Sudan, soft in Manchester—thrives on inaction. Fans hold power: ethical consumption via selective support.
Policymakers urge probes; clubs face sponsor risks. Until linked, trophies gleam unchecked.
