How Abu Dhabi Took Over Manchester City | Part One

Welcome back to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. This week, hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper explore the complex history behind the Abu Dhabi takeover of Manchester City. The discussion begins with a chilling recount of a 1984 assassination of UAE ambassador Khalifa Ahmad Mubarak, claimed by the Arab Revolutionary Brigades. This incident serves as a critical backdrop for understanding the motivations and geopolitical factors influencing contemporary Middle Eastern involvement in global sports. Jonathan and Rob look into the precarious position of Abu Dhabi, the history of the UAE's formation, and the significant figures like Khaldoon Al Barak and Sheikh Zed, shedding light on why Abu Dhabi has ventured into the world of football ownership and how this has reshaped not just Manchester City but football in general.

Join us on Friday for Part Two.

00:00 Tragic Assassination in Paris
00:54 Introduction to the Podcast
01:03 The Abu Dhabi Takeover of Manchester City
03:21 Comparing Abramovich and Sheik Mansour
04:29 The Shock of the 2008 Takeover
05:09 The Initial Skepticism and Rabino Signing
07:21 The Role of Solomon Al Faim
09:26 The Importance of Kaldoon Al Mubarak
15:41 The Aggressive Approach to Regulation
22:34 Massacre at Saia and Its Impact
24:25 Khaldoon Al Mubarak's Background
27:19 Transformation of Abu Dhabi
32:23 Discovery of Oil and Its Implications
43:19 Formation of the United Arab Emirates
44:50 Challenges from Regional Powers
45:56 Conclusion and Teaser for Part Two
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