{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/6633aa7d28201200122f5638/686261039951fac41be07668?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"How Abu Dhabi Took Over Manchester City | Part One ","description":"<p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>Join us on Friday for Part Two.</p><p><br></p><p>00:00 Tragic Assassination in Paris</p><p>00:54 Introduction to the Podcast</p><p>01:03 The Abu Dhabi Takeover of Manchester City</p><p>03:21 Comparing Abramovich and Sheik Mansour</p><p>04:29 The Shock of the 2008 Takeover</p><p>05:09 The Initial Skepticism and Rabino Signing</p><p>07:21 The Role of Solomon Al Faim</p><p>09:26 The Importance of Kaldoon Al Mubarak</p><p>15:41 The Aggressive Approach to Regulation</p><p>22:34 Massacre at Saia and Its Impact</p><p>24:25 Khaldoon Al Mubarak's Background</p><p>27:19 Transformation of Abu Dhabi</p><p>32:23 Discovery of Oil and Its Implications</p><p>43:19 Formation of the United Arab Emirates</p><p>44:50 Challenges from Regional Powers</p><p>45:56 Conclusion and Teaser for Part Two</p>","author_name":"The Overlap"}