Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed buys historic FA Cup

Manchester City billionaire owner, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, has acquired the historic FA Cup trophy used between 1896 to 1920 at an auction.

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, after purchasing the world’s oldest domestic cup trophy donated it to the National Football Museum. He bought the trophy at an auction where the former owner put it up for sale.

The historic FA Cup trophy had been on exhibition in the football museum in the city of Manchester from 2005 to 2019. There was a prevailing fear that a foreigner might purchase the cup and subsequently take it away from England. Thus, Zayed’s purchase is welcome as the prestigious tropy remains in the Queen’s land.

We are delighted to announce we are now the proud custodian of the 1896-1910 #FACup following the recent purchase of the trophy at auction by Club owner, His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed.

? #ManCity | https://t.co/axa0klD5rehttps://t.co/eRBRdbTFm0

- Manchester City (@ManCity) January 8, 2021

Also read: Liverpool survive Aston Villa first-half scare in FA Cup rout

Additionally, the trophy is vital to Manchester City because it is the first cup the club ever won. Commenting on the purchase, Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said;

“This cup is a visible reminder of the rich and long history of English football to which Manchester City is inextricably entwined.

“Winning this actual trophy in 1904 was a turning point for the club and for the city of Manchester in that it firmly cemented football in the heart of its community.

“Sheikh Mansour’s view is that a trophy of such cultural significance must be shared with the people of Manchester, the English football family, and all of those who love the English game. The National Football Museum is in a unique position to do that.” 

Manchester City is also in the running for a FA Cup win in 2021 as they face Birmingham City this weekend.