Isn't it bad enough that Manchester City has had to live its either life mainly in the shadow of Manchester United? City and its extremely loyal fans have endured years of mediocrity and relegation and now have this Thaksin Shinawatra mess. Shinawatra, as you'll recall, is the former Prime Minister of Thailand, and now seeking political exile in England. Just read his Wikipedia page. (It'll make your head spin.)
Not exactly the best thing when you're labeled "a human rights abuser of the worst kind." That's something you tend to leave off your resume, if possible.
Considering my ignorance toward Thai politics, let's stick to sport.
This weekend Shinawatra has now offered to step down from the City board after he skipped a court date in Thailand. Shinawatra has also been warned to stay away from the City of Manchester Stadium for fear of his life.
It's amazing how this drama has played out. A year ago Shinawatra has hailed as a semi-saviour to City, bringing in former England coach Sven-Göran Eriksson, who in turn signed a boatload of players (Elano, Corluka, etc.) which moved City from the relegation zone to mid-table respectibility. Well, a year later Eriksson is now coaching Mexico's national team and City seems on the verge of an out-an-out crisis even if Shinawatra claims money isn't a problem for him.
If there's a lesson here, it's not to allow you're favorite sports team to be sold to a man that's the target of coups and international tribunals even if that man has made billions through possible insider trading.
The best-case solution here? Shinawatra sells his interests to boxer Ricky Hatton and the Gallagher Bros. from Oasis.
