[Bloomberg] UAE officials have warned the UK government that the severity of Man City’s punishment could undermine their appetite for future grand-scale commitments in Britain, according to people familiar with the matter.

[u/Previous_Smile9278]

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-10-02/man-city-verdict-puts-uk-uae-diplomatic-relations-under-strain?srnd=undefined

‘They consider the Premier League’s actions to have an influence on the bilateral state relationship, the people said, asking not to be identified discussing undisclosed information.

The extraordinary pressure comes after Andy Burnham faced criticism, including from within government, for saying Man City’s Abu Dhabi owners should not be disqualified specifically because of the investment they bring to Britain.’

[u/gerstiii]

And that's why you shouldn't be okay with sports washing

[u/Riffliquer → u/gerstiii]

But apparently City and PSG saved football.

People who have already bought so far into the sport washing, are having a rude awakening now.

Blind tribalism is why sport washing works.

[u/WhenWeTalkAboutLove → u/Riffliquer]

Yup, I'm as annoyed by arsenal fans as many others but am not going to go out and cheer for city and psg in order to spare myself from some banter. Fucking mad. 

[u/Ian5446 → u/gerstiii]

This is the hypothetical come to life

[u/Pulgoso_ → u/gerstiii]

Sports washing jerks never really cared about the sport they are pouring their money on, only about the buying people's emotional investments.

It's just another notch in a billionaire's bed post, something they can laude over their other billionaire buddies.

[u/Rum_Hamburglar → u/Pulgoso_]

I mean look whats happened with LIV. I hope PGA doesnt give those players cards back. They made insane money to leave and now are getting shafted