Officials from the United Arab Emirates have issued a stark warning to the British government, indicating that relations between the two nations could be put at risk amid potential sanctions against Manchester City.
An independent commission has found Manchester City guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules on 114 counts. The club has continuously maintained its innocence and has lodged an appeal against the verdict.
Although Manchester City is technically owned by the Abu Dhabi United Group (ADUG) rather than directly by the UAE government, the group's owner, Sheikh Mansour, holds significant positions as Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and is a member of the royal family. This warning coincides with Prime Minister Andy Burnham facing criticism for expressing concern that the ADUG might be forced to sell the club.
