Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has opened up on the ongoing wars and killings around the world, specifically mentioning conflicts in Sudan, Ukraine and Palestine. He emphasised the need for humanity to act when innocent lives are lost.
Clear Information and the Moral Imperative
Guardiola said: “Never in the history of humanity have we had the info in front of our eyes more clearly than now. The genocide in Palestine, what happened in Ukraine, what happened all around the world – in Sudan, everywhere. What happened in front of us? Do you want to see it? It’s our problem as human beings.”
He stressed that protecting human life is the only priority: “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.”
Guardiola added that speaking out is essential for a better society: “Protecting the human being is the only thing we have. Right now, we kill each other, for what? 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.”
Specific Reference to Sudan and UAE Connection
Guardiola named Sudan explicitly amid reports that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group, accused of war crimes including mass killings in El Fasher, has been backed by the United Arab Emirates. The UAE, whose vice-president Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan owns Manchester City, denies the claims despite evidence from the UN, independent experts and reporters.
In November, the UAE admitted policy errors after reputational damage over its stance on the 2021 coup in Sudan that overthrew the transitional government.
Broader Call for Justice and Humanity
The manager referenced other injustices, including the killings of Renée Good and Alex Pretti by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers in Minneapolis. He said: “There is not a perfect society, nowhere is perfect, I am not perfect, but we have to work to be better.”
Guardiola made his comments at a charity event in Barcelona last Thursday focused on protecting children in Palestine, and reiterated them ahead of City’s Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle. He stressed justice and the need to talk openly: “From my point of view, the justice: you have to talk. Otherwise it will just move on.”
The City boss underlined that his stance is purely humanitarian, not political, and driven by concern for all people suffering in conflicts worldwide.
