Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour could lose the club due to possible links to Russia

A law firm acting in favour of a Ukrainian activist have asked the UK Government to investigate the supposed links between Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour and Russia.

Lawyers acting on behalf of the activist, who wishes to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals from Russia, have written to the UK Exterior Minister James Cleverly to determine if Mansour - who is Deputy Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates as well as Manchester City owner - helped Russian move their wealth to the UAE during the invasion of Ukraine.

What would happen if Manchester City’s owner is found guilty?

Were the UK to determine that Sheikh Mansour did indeed have links with the country led by Vladimir Putin and that he was in fact involved with these activities, he would not be able to continue to own Manchester City, according to the ownership regulations that the Premier League follow.

These rules were implemented in March of this year, after the Premier League was embroiled in a case following then-Chelsea owner, Roman Abramovich, who was forced to sell the club.

“Sheikh Mansour is a particularly high-profile individual and as the owner of one of the United Kingdom’s most celebrated football clubs” the letter states, “is a person who ought to be subject to reasonable scrutiny by the UK Government.”

“For the avoidance of doubt, we make no allegations as to any particular conduct of Sheikh Mansour. Nevertheless, in light of the wealth of evidence in the public domain tending to link Sheikh Mansour with the accommodation of wealthy Russians in the UAE, we respectfully suggest that there is a prima facie basis for the UK government to conduct an investigation.”

Letter written by lawyers to UK government

“The bloodshed caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues,” the letter continued.

“You may recollect that we invited the UK government to consider whether or not the conduct of Sheikh Mansour is such that he is a suitable person to be designated, pursuant to the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019.

“In the circumstances, it is critical that the UK Government takes all necessary steps consistent with its statutory and international obligations.” In February, Manchester City were charged for a breach of over 100 financial fair play rules.

Manchester City play Arsenal on October 8. Kick-off is at 11.30 a.m. ET/ 8.30 a.m. PT.