UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is facing growing criticism over comments he made after Manchester City was found guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules.
Burnham told the BBC he would be “really concerned” if the club’s Abu Dhabi-backed owners decided to sell following the verdict, describing them as major contributors to the development of Manchester.
The remarks have reportedly unsettled several Premier League clubs, with some senior figures questioning whether the prime minister’s comments could create an impression of political interference in an independent disciplinary process.
Downing Street has since sought to clarify Burnham’s position, stressing that the verdict is serious and that nobody should be considered above the rules. It added that the process must be allowed to run its course and that anyone found responsible for wrongdoing should face appropriate consequences.
Manchester City was found guilty by an independent commission of more than 100 breaches of Premier League financial rules following a 42-day hearing in 2024. The club has denied wrongdoing and has lodged an appeal against the findings.
The controversy has also revived scrutiny of Burnham’s previous relationship with Manchester City’s owners during his time as mayor of Greater Manchester. He had previously defended Everton during its own financial-rule case and criticised the Premier League’s handling of the matter.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has called for details of Burnham’s meetings with figures connected to Manchester City to be made public, adding to pressure on the prime minister.
The Premier League and the Independent Football Regulator have maintained that the disciplinary process is independent, with any further action against Manchester City to be determined through the established procedures.
