Manchester City and PSG’s strange alliance illustrates the biggest problem with modern football

Ferran Soriano, Manchester City's chief executive, will meet Paris Saint-Germain's Nasser Al-Khelaifi on Wednesday at an Etihad Stadium Champions League encounter. This meeting marks a significant shift in the relationship between the two clubs, which were once at odds due to geopolitical tensions stemming from the Gulf blockade. In the past, PSG's president had expressed irritation at City's methods, but now, the two powerhouses are united in presenting a case study of the dangers of state ownership in football.

The alliance between PSG and City exemplifies the risks associated with state-backed clubs, as warned by many in the football community. The situation highlights how Middle Eastern investment, such as from the UAE and Qatar, has allowed these clubs to wield unprecedented control and influence over the sport. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the underlying geopolitical dimension of state-owned football teams is only set to grow more prominent in the coming years.

The political implications are significant, as the influence of these state-backed entities can be traced back to their respective governments' ambitions and policies. For example, Abu Dhabi's support for City is rooted in its broader geopolitical objectives, while Qatar's involvement with PSG is part of a strategy aimed at positioning itself as an international mediator.

This dynamic is far more complex than the immediate issues surrounding the City case, and it raises crucial questions about the future of football and the roles of its key stakeholders.