Manchester City charges: Premier League clubs fear political interference in appeal after Andy Burnham comments

Senior club sources have said they found the comments "absolutely bizarre", and that it was "at best naive and at worst quite manipulative, and that is not a good look". A different source said it was "clumsy", while another said they were surprised that the prime minister had "misspoken".

The entire process involving the charges against Manchester City is independent of the Premier League. An independent commission held a 42-day hearing in 2024 which led to the verdict announced last month, with a sanctions hearing still to come.

A separate independent appeal board will hear City's appeal. The club continues to deny any wrongdoing.

However, when asked about potential interference in the process off the back of Burnham's comments, one senior club source said: "Everyone would have a degree of concern. How much would depend on how much you read into that comment.

Because no-one is stupid around the table. We understand the geopolitics as well.

We understand the investment they have made in our country. I don't think anyone could doubt that or criticise that.

But this is different, this is sport, this is our national game." Another club source, however, said the degree of scrutiny on Burnham now means they think any interference would be impossible. Burnham's comments came in an interview with the BBC's political editor Chris Mason the next day.

When asked about 'Brand Manchester' taking a hit, the Prime Minister drew a parallel with a previous Premier League case with Everton, saying he still held the view "firmly" that they "weren't fairly treated". Everton werededucted 10 points, later reduced to six on appeal, by an independent commission for breaching Premier League financial rules.

Asked if he was concerned that Manchester City 's owners would now sell the club, Burnham said: "I would be really concerned to lose them."