Andy Burnham Criticised Over His 'Concern' Manchester City Owners Could Quit English Football

Andy Burnham has been criticised for expressing sympathy for Manchester City's Abu Dhabi owners after the club was found guilty of multiple breaches of the Premier League's financial rules. The prime minister said he "would be really concerned to lose them" if they decided to sell up in the wake of the row.

An independent commission found the club had inflated its revenue and hidden costs through a series of "sham" commercial deals over a nine-season period. The findings could see City hit with a massive points deduction, huge fine and could even lead to them being stripped of their titles.

The club's owners have denied all the charges against them and are expected to appeal the ruling. Asked by the BBC if he was worried the owners could sell the club, Burnham - the former mayor of Greater Manchester - said: "I would be really concerned to lose them.

"They've been such a huge partner in the building of modern Manchester. Obviously, the building of Manchester City into the global force that it is.

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Asked if all his dealings with City while he was mayor will stand up to scrutiny, Burnham said: "Oh indeed. I do actually thank the City Football Group and the wider ownership for the money that they didn't just put into the Etihad and the campus around it but also into the city, but yes of course.

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The PM said there was "a lot at stake. for the football club, for city supporters, for the city of Manchester".

His comments were condemned by politicians, supporters of other clubs as well as senior figures within football. Green Party deputy leader Mothin Ali said: "Andy Burnham's comments are staggering, just one day after saying people should come before profit, he sides with big money over the integrity of a sport that belongs to the people.

"It's a shame the prime minister appears to agree there should be one rule for the rich and one for everyone else." Poor - and biased - response from Andy Burnham on Manchester City being found guilty of all charges related to serious breaches of the Premier League's financial rules by an Independent Commission. He says "I can't intervene *more* in the process," which requires an explanation… - Melissa Reddy (@MelissaReddy_) September 30, 2026 Horrendous statement from UK prime minister Andy Burnham on Manchester City's Abu Dhabi ownership.

1) As PM he should remain entirely neutral.