The Emirates' shadow over Manchester City and its legacy

The most spectacular football story this year revolves around Manchester City's situation with English clubs, the Premier League and FIFA, sparking a debate about its position and institutional relationships.

The early days of Ferran Soriano

I recall years ago that, with Joan Laporta's arrival at Barça, a very discreet, intelligent person eager to contribute entered as vice‑president. That was Ferran Soriano, who when Oriol Giralt mounted a motion of no‑confidence against Laporta's board, saw little support for the board and some decided to leave the club's management.

Later, Soriano, a successful executive, tried to save Spanair, but the airline's financial situation was so dire that he failed to rescue it.

In the search for capital for the airline, the initiative landed in an Arab country. That country, the United Arab Emirates, acquired Manchester City at that time, appointing Soriano as chief executive and gathering friendly people to run the club.

The current scandal involving Manchester City with the Premier League and FIFA contrasts with that historic moment when Arab investment was presented as a financial solution for a club and a struggling airline.

This comparison reveals how past business decisions continue to influence the perception and regulation of football worldwide, indicating that City's recent history is closely linked to its financial origins.