Manchester City has returned home for the first time after being convicted of 114 financial allegations by the Premier League, feeling the support of its fans in the process. The club lost 4-2 to Paris Saint-Germain, the champions of Qatar, in a Champions League group match.
Fan Support for Emirati Owners
Among the spectators at the Etihad Stadium, there was unconditional support for the Abu Dhabi owners, led by Sheikh Mansour. A local fan named Matt said, "I fully support the ownership. If we go back to non-professional league, that’s fine. We have 15 years of memories that we couldn’t have experienced without this ownership, and for me, it’s just a line in a balance sheet."
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Political and Economic Links
While Manchester City fans are grateful for their successes, many outside the club, particularly critics, doubt the legitimacy of the trophies won during this period. They point to a lack of sufficient evidence from City, human rights violations in the UAE, and the owners' sarcastic tone in response to the allegations.
Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, appears to be a strong supporter of City fans. After the ruling was announced in September, he expressed concern that losing the Emirati owners could negatively impact Manchester. Burnham has also expressed optimism about Emirati investments in the city, which include residential and commercial developments as well as sports facilities.
Emirati investment in Manchester, accelerated by the "Living Manchester" initiative in 2014, has been a key defense for City owners against allegations of sportswashing. However, there are criticisms regarding the social and economic changes in East Manchester, with some believing these changes have led to rising rents and social tensions.
Despite political and economic challenges, the Emirati owners remain deeply rooted in this part of Manchester, and rumors of a potential sale of the club have emerged if sanctions continue. While PSG appears to have no financial issues, City is currently facing serious challenges.
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