In UAE’s Man City heartland, conspiracy theories abound
Supporters see themselves as victims of a Premier League conspiracy by English football’s traditional powers seeking to neutralise an upstart rival.
In the heart of the UAE, home to Manchester City's royal owners, conspiracy theories are flourishing among fans. Supporters believe that City's financial troubles are the result of a Premier League plot orchestrated by traditional English clubs, such as Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester United. Obeid Al-Heifeiti, a 22-year-old fan, confidently stated that other clubs are involved in the "seismic verdict" that linked City to breaking financial rules more than 100 times between 2009 and 2018.
Salman Al-Otaiba, a 29-year-old supporter, agreed, suggesting that successful clubs are employing "dark arts" to neutralize an upstart rival like Manchester City. However, not everyone in Abu Dhabi is convinced. An Emirati father at a mall on Yas Island dismissed the conspiracy theories, stating that the issue is not unique to City and that "all these famous clubs" are part of a larger plot.
Meanwhile, Khalil Al-Khodri, shopping in a local tailor shop, expressed his belief that there is a hidden motive behind the allegations, with someone benefiting from the chaos. The Emirati owners, who took over Manchester City in 2008 during a period of global expansion for the oil-rich nation, are now reportedly feeling slighted by the independent commission's ruling.
They may believe they are being targeted for political reasons rather than being proven guilty of wrongdoing, according to a Gulf football writer.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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