Manchester Fans Unite Against Sportswashing Ties to UAE

Fans of Manchester City are increasingly voicing concerns over the club’s ownership and its ties to the United Arab Emirates, particularly in light of the humanitarian crisis in Sudan. In a recent letter published in *The Guardian*, local resident and medicolegal report writer Kathryn Fletcher expressed anger at the city’s commercial connections with the UAE, which have been implicated in funding the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This group is currently accused of committing war crimes in Darfur.

Fletcher highlighted the longstanding efforts of the Manchester Amnesty group, which has campaigned for over a decade for the release of Emirati human rights activists Ahmed Mansoor and Mohammed al-Roken. Despite these efforts, the group has faced significant inaction from the Manchester City Council, leaving many residents feeling frustrated. The letter pointed out that the urgency of these issues has only intensified, particularly with the emergence of Manchester4Sudan, an organization representing the Sudanese diaspora that seeks to address the connections between the city and the UAE.

The discussion raises important questions about the role of fans in advocating for human rights. Fletcher acknowledged that many Manchester City supporters may feel conflicted about their loyalty to the club while also wanting to protest its ownership. Yet, she emphasized that fans possess a unique power and influence. She cited the example of Newcastle United supporters, who have formed a group called NUFC Fans Against Sportswashing to address human rights violations linked to their club’s ownership.

Fletcher encouraged Manchester City fans to consider ways to express their concerns without abandoning the club they cherish. She suggested joining the local Amnesty group, contributing to organizations like Human Rights Watch, or actively participating in the initiatives led by Manchester4Sudan.

The letter serves as a call to action, urging fans to leverage their collective voice to hold the club accountable and advocate for human rights. As the situation in Sudan continues to deteriorate, the responsibility of fans to address these connections has never been more critical.