Manchester City’s guilty verdict mars UAE soft power - Semafor

Manchester City, owned by a member of Abu Dhabi’s royal family, was found guilty on Friday of breaching Premier League financial rules, tainting one of the emirate’s greatest soft-power successes. Fans of rival soccer clubs have framed the verdict as proof Manchester City — and by extension the UAE — bought its way to the top. Penalties could range from compensating rival clubs to points deductions. But the stakes are also diplomatic: UK-UAE ties have warmed under Prime Minister Andy Burnham, a former Manchester mayor who has called Abu Dhabi “huge partners” for their investment in the city’s poorest areas.

Burnham also recently met with Khaldoon Al Mubarak, the club’s chairman and Mubadala Investment Co.’s chief executive. Diplomats and analysts cited by the Financial Times say the two governments, whose bilateral trade is worth $31.8 billion annually, will likely work to contain any political fallout. In a letter to fans, Al Mubarak vowed to challenge the ruling.