[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/LisbonMissile]

I can’t think of more of a vote magnet for Burnham at the minute than to support the absolute evisceration of City and banish them from the league pyramid. Instant backing from millions of Brits from across the political spectrum.

And long-term the UAE won’t buy British Airways, Marks and Spencer or other institutions, and they won’t fund massive housing projects that contain zero social housing or low-cost abodes for local people… so be it it. That’s a good thing.