UAE fans blame Premier League elite for Manchester City’s financial ruling
Supporters in Abu Dhabi claim that traditional English clubs conspired against Manchester City after the Premier League’s independent commission found the team breached financial rules over 100 times.
Across Abu Dhabi, Manchester City fans are convinced that England’s historic clubs are orchestrating a campaign to sabotage the team after an independent commission concluded the club violated Premier League financial rules more than 100 times from 2009 to 2018. Young supporters quoted in a Saadiyat Island sports bar and a Yas Island mall suggested the verdict reflects a coordinated effort by Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United to protect their own interests.
The club, owned by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan’s family since 2008, has filed an appeal. Local commentators note the owners’ sense of cultural and sporting pride, especially after City’s recent domestic and European successes under Pep Guardiola. The story also references other Gulf-backed clubs, such as Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United, which have faced similar scrutiny under tighter financial regulations.
Why it matters
The story shows how football’s financial politics can fuel conspiracy narratives among wealthy club owners and their fans.
How this story developed
- Sep 30 Pep Guardiola publicly backs Manchester City after club found guilty of 114 charges
- Oct 2 The club must lodge its appeal by Friday 2 October.
- Oct 2 An independent panel concluded that Manchester City breached Premier League financial regulations by inflating its commercial income through fabricated sponsorship deals.
- Oct 2 Manchester City announced its intention to appeal the commission's ruling.
- Oct 8 Manchester City filed its appeal on October 1, 2026.
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