Burnham says City sale would concern him as financial case remains unresolved
The Prime Minister praised Manchester City’s owners for their investment in the city, while saying he should not intervene in the contested Premier League case.
Andy Burnham said he would be “really concerned” if Manchester City’s owners sold the club, citing their contribution to Manchester’s development and the club’s growth. He did not say the owners planned to sell.
An independent commission found City guilty of most of 115 alleged Premier League financial-rule breaches. The club denies wrongdoing and is expected to appeal, with a deadline of 2 October to submit one.
The Independent Football Regulator said the case raised “serious issues”. It said it would consider options after the disciplinary process concludes, potentially including whether to remove the owners’ licence. No decision on any regulator action has been made.
A sanctions hearing is pending, and no punishment has been decided. Burnham said the case was contested and that it would be wrong for him to intervene.
Burnham compared the case with Everton’s financial-rule proceedings. The club he supports received a points deduction in 2023 that was later reduced on appeal; he said he had believed Everton was not treated fairly.
