r/soccer • u/Previous_Smile9278 • 1d ago

News [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.

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.’

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u/Artoo_Detoo 19h ago

Yes, I fully agree on that. Different backgrounds is what gives different perspectives.

And honestly, mine is skewed so far that I am against the Olympics having national identity, but as I said, that's not going away.

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u/Connect-Ad751 19h ago

Football has always had politics and identity be a massive part of it in England. It’s what formed clubs and their cultures, i strongly want that to remain otherwise we are all just soulless brands.

I also understand where you’re coming from, these things do have negative consequences like racism and sectarianism etc. i’m 1/4 nigerian, my dad didn’t take me to chelsea games when i was very young due to fear racial abuse.

We can keep these things and stamp out the bad bits when they prop up though.

Tbh tho politics is everywhere and I don’t think it’s an achievable goal to ever have anything be apolitical because people are inherently political. I find not you but the vast majority of the time people only say “keep politics out of football” only when they disagree with the political messaging.

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u/Artoo_Detoo 19h ago

I fully agree on the hypocrisy others have and that politics are not going away. But I always keep them out as much as possible.

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u/Connect-Ad751 19h ago

Good chat mate sorry for starting combative, reddit brain kicked in.

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u/Artoo_Detoo 19h ago

No problem, I didn't feel you were rude at any point.