Abu Dhabi United Group controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
Back to profile2 entries
Sportswashing criticism
Human Rights Watch and other critics have argued that ADUG's ownership of Manchester City improves Abu Dhabi's international image and diverts attention from human-rights concerns in the UAE. The term sportswashing is used by critics to describe this alleged reputational function.
Questions over sponsorship funding and government links
Media reports, leaked documents and regulatory proceedings have raised questions about whether some Manchester City sponsorship payments were effectively equity funding connected to ADUG, and about the extent of Abu Dhabi government involvement in accounts and sponsorship arrangements. ADUG has maintained that it is separate from the Abu Dhabi government, and the available material does not establish a final adjudication against ADUG on all reported allegations.