Full Breakdown
Manchester City Protests Highlight Links to Sudan Conflict
1/18/2026, 7:45:20 AM
Demonstration Against Ownership Ties
On a cold Wednesday morning, a small group of approximately 20 protesters gathered outside the Etihad Stadium in Manchester to voice their concerns over the ownership of Manchester City Football Club by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the vice president and deputy prime minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The protest was organized to draw attention to the UAE's alleged support for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group in Sudan, which has been implicated in widespread human rights abuses since the outbreak of conflict in April 2023.
Farid Kelana, a Sudanese refugee who fled to the UK two years ago, expressed his anger, stating, “I feel totally angry about the idea that football is linked to war crimes, linked to killing people.” The protest was supported by members of the Sudanese diaspora, including Mohaned Elnour, who emphasized the need for Sheikh Mansour to cease his support for the RSF and its leader, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, commonly known as Hemedti.
Context of the Sudan Conflict
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has resulted in severe humanitarian crises, with the RSF accused of committing atrocities, including genocide in Darfur. The UAE has been reported as a significant backer of the RSF, allegedly supplying weapons through a network spanning several countries, including Libya and Chad. Despite these allegations, the UAE has consistently denied any involvement in supporting the RSF.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), a rights organization, has been vocal in its criticism of Sheikh Mansour's ownership of Manchester City. Scot Bower, head of CSW, stated, “The evidence is there to say that Sheikh Mansour should not be in ownership of a football club,” citing the Premier League's Owners and Directors Test, which includes disqualification criteria related to human rights abuses.
Calls for Accountability
The protest coincided with CSW's launch of a petition urging the Premier League to hold Sheikh Mansour accountable for his alleged ties to the RSF. Activists, including Mohannad Taha from Manchester4Sudan, highlighted the lack of acknowledgment from Manchester City regarding its ownership's links to the Sudan conflict. Taha criticized the UK government for its economic ties with the UAE, suggesting that these relationships hinder principled action regarding human rights.
Official Statements & Responses
CSW has stated that credible evidence exists linking the UAE to military support for the RSF, with reports indicating that sophisticated weaponry used by the RSF may have originated from the UAE. The organization has called for Sheikh Mansour to leverage his influence to end this support, emphasizing that the issue transcends football and calls for collective action from the football community.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I feel totally angry about the idea that football is linked to war crimes, linked to killing people,” — Farid Kelana, Sudanese Refugee
- “The evidence is there to say that Sheikh Mansour should not be in ownership of a football club,” — Scot Bower, Head of Christian Solidarity Worldwide
- “The football community taking action on Sudan, taking a stand, can have a direct effect on the war stopping,” — Mohannad Taha, Activist at Manchester4Sudan
What's Next
The protest and ongoing advocacy efforts by CSW and local activists may lead to increased scrutiny of Sheikh Mansour's ownership of Manchester City, particularly in light of the Premier League's regulations regarding human rights. The situation continues to evolve as the humanitarian crisis in Sudan remains critical, prompting calls for international attention and action.
