For it to be libellous it would have to be a)
1) Knowingly untrue
It is a defence to hold a reasonable belief that it is true, even if in fact, it is not.
AND
2) Cause significant financial loss to MCFC
As a 'for profit' business, City would have to demonstrate a significant financial loss as a result of the claims
It's not libellous, it's just speculation. It's probably in the minds of any fan who follows football that FSG (Liverpool), The Glazers (United), Abramovic and Sheik Mansour et al, have motivations that go well beyond football. From simple financial gain, through to personal or political and business PR.
Is the article really revealing much? nah - it's simply guessing at the key motives and presenting them in an antagonistic manner and placing particular emphasis on Islamic influence.
I wonder if he will write an article on 'Christian' nations exerting influence through the facade of sport?
What owner doesn't like the idea of his businesses 'needing' them? There's also a little ego involved.
Sadly, MCFC (and even United) are pitifully small cottage industries in the world of business. WE might think of them are huge corporations, but in the grand scheme, they really aren't. They afford a bit of follow to a billionaire, and a high level of media coverage from a relatively small investment.
Of course the Sheik has motives.
The author of the article has career motives too - I suggest they influence his articles. I would also suggest he'd like to be in a position where his employer needs him more than he needs them. Hardly news is it?
The ownership of City increases the profile of Abu Dhabi. It's small fry in the overall scheme, but it plays a part. With a higher profile, of course Abu Dhabi's voice on the global stage becomes a little louder. Isn't that what every nation strives for?
He's stating the bleeding obvious and extrapolating that to influencing NATO. Ultimately NATO is influenced by all manner of things across the globe, so in that respect, he's right. But it's a hell of a stretch. You could just as easily say Brexit influences NATO, or the repercussions of the Olympics on Brazil's economy 'influences' NATO.