Manchester city’s Billionaire owner Sheikh Mansour could face the same sanction as the Chelsea owner.
Sheikh Mansour, is an Emirate politician who is the deputy prime minister of the United Arab Emirate , minister of presidential affairs, billionaire and member of the royal family of Abu Dhabi.
Sheikh Mansour purchased Manchester City football club from former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in September 2008.
By September 23, 2008, the Abu Dhabi United Group, led by Mansour, had completed their takeover negotiations and acquired ownership.
He is also the owner of the City Football Group, which was founded in 2014 and includes Manchester City FC, Melbourne City FC, New York City FC, Mumbai City FC.
Manchester City, like Chelsea, may face similar UK government sanctions as a result of owner Sheikh Mansour’s meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
The Russian Billionaire was sanctioned by the government due his ties with Vladimir Putin, who has led Russia to invade Ukraine.
According to Marca (via International Business Times), City could face similar sanctions as a result of their owner’s ties to Assad, who has close ties with Putin
“It is the UK’s firm belief that – in the absence of change in behavior by the Syrian regime – strengthening ties undermines the prospect of lasting and inclusive peace in Syria.” the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said.
While Sheikh Mansour has not expressed direct support for Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, he is now being watched by the UK government.
Could Manchester City suffer similar fate as Chelsea when Abramovich was sanctioned because of his close ties with Putin.
The UK Government Sanction on Chelsea FC
What Chelsea Can do
- Continue to Play Matches
- Receive broadcast money
- Allow season ticket holders to attend games.
What Chelsea Cannot do
- Buy new players
- Agree new contracts
- Sell new tickets for games
- Sell club merchandise
- Sell the club (unless Abramovich allows the UK government to take control of the process and he receive no proceeds from the sales)