Andy Burnham, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, stated that it would be premature to pass judgment on the situation involving Manchester City. He believes that all his relationships with the club during his tenure as Mayor of Greater Manchester will withstand any scrutiny.
According to Burnham, the club, which has been found guilty of violating 115 financial regulations between 2009 and 2018, should be allowed to contest the decision if they believe it is unjust. The Premier League announced on Tuesday that an independent commission concluded Manchester City had entered into “fictitious” commercial agreements with several sponsors during that time.
These contracts were part of a concealed financing scheme, where the companies only paid a portion of the agreed sponsorship amounts. The remainder of the funds, according to the commission’s findings, originated from Abu Dhabi United Group Investment & Development Ltd (ADUG), the entity that owns the club.
Burnham expressed gratitude to City Football Group for their investments in Manchester, stating that he would be deeply concerned if the ownership were to leave. However, he noted that he would “maintain distance” if the government of the United Arab Emirates were to contact him regarding this controversy.
Burnham: “It’s Right for City to Contest the Ruling”
“I believe it is right for Manchester City and its supporters to continue having the opportunity to contest the ruling if they feel it is unfair,” Burnham stated, as reported by DPA.
During his time as Mayor of Greater Manchester, he strongly opposed the penalty imposed on Everton for financial rule violations, being a declared fan of the “Toffees.” In 2024, following an appeal, Everton’s penalty was reduced from ten to six points.
“I think it’s important to remind everyone that this matter is still disputed. The Premier League found Everton guilty, and I have never accepted that. Therefore, it would not be fair for me to rush to judgment about another football club. Nonetheless, the allegations are extremely serious.
I thank those at City Football Group and the other owners for the money invested not only in the Etihad Stadium and the surrounding area but also in the entire city,” Burnham added.
