Manchester City argues sponsorship deals funded by Abu Dhabi government

by@BBCNews

Summary

Manchester City is preparing to appeal against an independent commission's ruling that found the club guilty of breaching Premier League financial regulations between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons by artificially inflating revenue through sponsorship deals. The club will argue that these deals were funded by the Abu Dhabi government, rather than its owners, a claim previously dismissed by the commission as "untrue." This appeal comes after the commission highlighted improper funding schemes linked to the Abu Dhabi United Group (ADUG), which took over the club in 2008 and is owned by Sheikh Mansour, who is connected to the ruling family of Abu Dhabi. Notably, Premier League rules permit sponsorships from state-owned entities, which complicates the situation further as City seeks to prove its innocence supported by what it deems "irrefutable evidence."

Tokens

$MAN$ETIHAD

Analysis

Etihad Airways: Etihad Airways is the flag carrier airline of the United Arab Emirates and a state-owned entity controlled by Abu Dhabi. It serves as Manchester City's principal sponsor and has stated it is considering legal action against the Premier League over implications from the commission's findings. The airline has categorically rejected any suggestion of improper commercial arrangements. Sheikh Mansour: Sheikh Mansour is a member of the Abu Dhabi ruling family, UAE vice-president, and deputy prime minister whose investment vehicle, Abu Dhabi United Group, owns Manchester City. He is the brother of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Manchester City: Manchester City Football Club is a professional football club based in Manchester, England, that competes in the Premier League. The club is appealing an independent commission's ruling that found it guilty of breaching financial regulations through artificial inflation of revenue via sponsorship agreements. It plans to present evidence that key funding originated from the Abu Dhabi government rather than its owners. Khaldoon Al Mubarak: Khaldoon Al Mubarak is the chairman of Manchester City Football Club. He has publicly referenced irrefutable evidence that he says supports the club's position of innocence in the financial regulations case. Abu Dhabi government: The Abu Dhabi government is the governing authority of the emirate of Abu Dhabi within the United Arab Emirates. In the context of this news, Manchester City intends to argue on appeal that sponsorship-related funding came directly from the government rather than private sources. The independent commission previously rejected this position as an after-the-fact explanation. Abu Dhabi United Group: Abu Dhabi United Group is a private investment company linked to the Abu Dhabi ruling family that acquired Manchester City in 2008. The independent commission described it as having participated in a disguised funding scheme involving top-ups to commercial deals. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is the President of the United Arab Emirates and a member of the Abu Dhabi ruling family. His brother, Sheikh Mansour, is connected to the ownership of Manchester City through Abu Dhabi United Group. Ownership: Manchester City has maintained that sponsorship funding originated from the Abu Dhabi government rather than its private owners. Regulation: Premier League rules allow state-owned bodies to sponsor clubs. Sponsorship: Etihad Airways, Manchester City's principal sponsor, is a state-owned UAE airline considering legal action over the commission findings.

Categories

soccermacropolitics
View Original Tweet