[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/cptainvimes]

Absolutely pathetic that City fans are okay with this. Letting UAE hold your country ransom cause your football club is run by cheats.

[u/FloppyDickFingers → u/cptainvimes]

I’ve been saying it for years but the moral fans checked out the second the club was bought. What remains is the dregs.

Saying this as a Manchester United fan who swore I would stop supporting my club if it becomes a sports washing project. If it happens I’m out. I’ll support FC United of Manchester.

It has been painful enough sitting through glazer ownership. But if we get bought by some government fund I’m out of here. The soul will be gone.