Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has delivered a powerful speech condemning ongoing global conflicts, specifically naming Sudan, Ukraine, and Palestine as regions where innocent lives are being lost. The football icon spoke out during a charity event in Barcelona last week, urging humanity to take action against what he described as genocidal violence.
Guardiola's Humanitarian Appeal
Guardiola emphasised the unprecedented access to information in modern times, stating that the realities of war and suffering are now more visible than ever before. "Never in the history of humanity have we had the info in front of our eyes more clearly than now," Guardiola declared. "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."
Focus on Sudan Conflict
The Manchester City manager specifically highlighted the civil war in Sudan, where more than 150,000 people have lost their lives. Guardiola referenced the involvement of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group that UN reports and independent experts have linked to backing from the United Arab Emirates.
This connection carries particular significance as Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan, vice-president of the UAE, owns Manchester City Football Club. The Gulf state has denied supporting the RSF despite mounting evidence to the contrary.
UAE's Acknowledgment of Policy Errors
In November, the UAE admitted to errors in its foreign policy approach following reputational damage over its alleged support for the RSF. Anwar Gargash, the UAE's senior diplomatic envoy, stated that the UAE and other nations had been mistaken in not imposing sanctions on the instigators of the 2021 coup in Sudan.
That military takeover was jointly led by the RSF and the Sudanese army, overthrowing the country's transitional civilian government and plunging the nation into further conflict.
Guardiola's Broader Humanitarian Message
Speaking ahead of Manchester City's Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle, Guardiola explained his motivation for speaking out on humanitarian issues. "It is about a better place for humanity," he stated. "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."
The decorated manager emphasised the fundamental importance of protecting human life above all else. "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."
Call for Justice and Action
Guardiola argued that speaking out represents a form of justice in itself. "From my point of view, the justice: you have to talk. Otherwise it will just move on." He referenced specific incidents, including the shootings of Renée Good and Alex Pretti by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers in Minneapolis, questioning how such actions could be defended.
The Manchester City manager acknowledged that no society is perfect, including himself, but stressed the importance of continuous improvement. "There is not a perfect society, nowhere is perfect, I am not perfect, but we have to work to be better."
Background and Context
Sheikh Mansour purchased Manchester City in September 2008, with Guardiola joining as manager in 2016. The football manager's recent comments in Barcelona focused particularly on the need to protect children in Palestine, demonstrating his commitment to humanitarian causes across multiple conflict zones.
Guardiola explained that his motivation stems from a desire to create a better world for future generations. "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."
