Manchester City are said to have provided British politicians from various parties with gifts valued at around £25,000 between October 2014 and May 2025.
Simultaneously, reports indicate the UAE's hospitality expenses for British MPs have surpassed £467,000.
According to UK media, details of these privileges are reflected in the financial interest records of MPs, which include complimentary flights, football tickets, and various forms of hospitality.
Nearly half a million from the UAE
Published data shows that since 2012, there have been 78 entries in the MPs' register of interests detailing privileges provided by the UAE, amounting to around £467,000.
The largest portion of these recorded privileges is attributed to Labour Party representatives, totalling approximately £275,000. Conservative MPs received about £175,000, with additional entries also referencing benefits for representatives from the Scottish National Party, Liberal Democrats, and Reform UK.
There are growing concerns regarding the ties between British politicians and the owners of Manchester City, who are linked to Abu Dhabi. This has intensified calls for greater transparency in the relationship between political figures, the football club, and its owners.
Transparency questions arise
The publication of this data has sparked a debate about how openly gifts, trips, and invitations afforded to political figures by football clubs and foreign state entities should be disclosed.
Manchester City and their owners are already under scrutiny due to ongoing discussions surrounding the club's financial dealings and connections with political structures. This gift scandal adds a new layer to the conversation surrounding the transparency of these relationships.
