The English Premier League has rarely had qualms about allowing its most prized assets, the 20 soccer clubs which contest each season, to fall under the ownership of rather questionable individuals.

Indeed, judged by some of those in its top ranks, the Premier League might credibly be described as a cesspool for the democratic rule of law. Many owners gained their wealth through corruption or mafia-style manipulation. And many source their power from close connections to some of the world’s most authoritarian regimes.