Andy Burnham, the Prime Minister, has expressed concern over the potential sale of Manchester City if the club's owners decide to sell up following a guilty verdict for breaching Premier League financial rules. The club was found guilty of the majority of the 115 charges they faced by an independent commission. Manchester City's owners, led by Sheikh Mansour, United Arab Emirates deputy prime minister and royal family member, have invested heavily in the club since 2008. Burnham praised the owners for their investment in Manchester.
The independent commission's findings included that Manchester City arranged "sham contracts" with commercial partners to disguise secret funding of over £830m. The Premier League stated that City "systematically broke Premier League Rules for nearly a decade". The club has until October 2 to submit an appeal against the guilty verdict. The Independent Football Regulator, set up by the government in 2025, has suggested it may explore options, including stripping the owners of their licence to own the club, once the disciplinary process is completed.
Burnham made his comments amid widespread shock in football about the scale of the independent commission's findings and the strength of Premier League comments about City's actions. He was speaking from Hill Dickinson Stadium, the home of Everton, the team he supports. Everton had their own run-in with Premier League financial rules in November 2023, resulting in a 10-point deduction, reduced to six on appeal. Burnham stated that he fought for Everton in that situation because he believed they were not fairly treated.
Drawing a comparison between Everton's situation and Manchester City's current predicament, Burnham said that people had rushed to judgement in the case of Everton. He added that it would be wrong for him to leap to one side given his experience with Everton. Burnham emphasized that it is "frustrating when people rush to judgement" and that there is "a lot at stake" for City fans, the club, and Manchester itself.
Manchester City has maintained its innocence, stating that they are "both disappointed and surprised by the opinion of the Premier League Commission". The club will appeal both the guilty verdict and any potential sanction. The punishment could range from a huge fine, point deductions, or ejection from the Premier League to being stripped of the eight trophies they had won in the affected period.
Burnham also highlighted the significant investment made by City's owners in Manchester, not just in the Etihad Stadium and the club's campus but also in the wider city. He expressed his gratitude for the investment and emphasized that his interactions with City's owners when he was mayor would stand up to scrutiny. Burnham's comments have sparked debate about the potential consequences for Manchester City and the wider implications for the football industry.
The Premier League and the Independent Football Regulator will continue to monitor the situation, with the regulator exploring options to address the "serious issues" raised by the case. The sanctions hearing, which could take months to convene, will decide the punishment for Manchester City. The outcome will have significant implications for the club, its owners, and the wider football community.
Key points
- Andy Burnham expresses concern over potential sale of Manchester City
- Manchester City found guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules
- Club's owners invested heavily in Manchester since 2008
