Manager insists he will continue to use his position to speak up for a better society
Pep Guardiola has spoken passionately in support of victims of violence around the world, calling for killings to stop in places like Sudan, where paramilitary organisations are reportedly being backed by the United Arab Emirates, which effectively owns Manchester City.
The UAE’s vice-president Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan is also the owner of City, where Guardiola has been manager since 2016.
“The genocide in Palestine, what’s happening in Ukraine, what’s happening all around the world – in Sudan, everywhere, it is happening in front of us,” Guardiola said. “Do you want to see it?
“Protecting the human being is the only thing we have. Right now, we kill each other, for what?”
Evidence linking the UAE to conflict in Sudan has been compiled by the United Nations and other independent sources, but the country has consistently denied it.
“We have left them alone, abandoned.”
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola wore a keffiyeh as he condemned global silence over the suffering of Palestinian children in Gaza during a charity event in Spain on Thursday. pic.twitter.com/ldXYITRgUR
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) January 30, 2026
Guardiola missed his pre-match press conference last Friday to speak at a rally in Barcelona in defence of Gaza. Ahead of City’s cup game against Newcastle on Wednesday, the Spaniard was asked about his decision to attend the event.
“It is about a better place for humanity,” Guardiola said. “The people who run away from their countries, go in the sea and then go on a boat to get rescued: don’t ask if he is right or wrong, rescue him. It is about a human being. After, we can agree, criticise. But people dying, you have to help them.
“When I see the images, I am sorry, it hurts. It hurts me. That is why in every position I can help speaking up to be a better society, I will try and be there. It is for my kids, my families, for you. For all of you and your families as well and the kids.”
