Burnham Expresses Concern Over Potential Man City Ownership Sale Amidst Financial Charges

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has stated he would be "really concerned" if Manchester City's owners were to sell the club following their conviction for over 100 breaches of Premier League financial rules. The Prime Minister also expressed gratitude for the owners' substantial investment in both the club and the city of Manchester.

The verdict, released Tuesday afternoon, found Manchester City guilty of numerous charges related to financial misconduct. The findings indicate that the club's revenue was artificially inflated and costs reduced by more than £900 million over a nine-year period due to funds provided by its Abu Dhabi owners.

Burnham, who previously served as the mayor of Greater Manchester until June, told BBC News that losing the owners would be a significant concern. "They've been such a huge partner in the building of modern Manchester and obviously the building of Manchester City into the global force that it is," he said. He also acknowledged their financial contributions to the city.

The club maintains its innocence and has until October 2 to file an appeal. Burnham emphasized his inability to intervene in the process and the importance of not jumping to conclusions before examining all details, especially as the matter is still contested.

Speaking from the home stadium of Everton, a club he supports, Burnham drew parallels to Everton's own past financial rule violations. He recalled his advocacy for Everton when they faced charges and point deductions, expressing a belief that the club was not treated fairly in that instance. "So it would be wrong of me to leap to one side given the experience that I'd had before becoming prime minister," he stated.

Burnham also expressed confidence that his interactions with City's owners during his tenure as mayor would withstand scrutiny.

Former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola voiced his support for the club's hierarchy, stating on X, "I am, always have been, always will be behind my club, my owner, my chairman, Ferran (Soriano, CEO), the players, staff, Enzo (Maresca, manager) and you, our unique supporters." He added, "Let me be clear: we will get through this together. I love you all."

The Independent Football Regulator (IFR), established last year to safeguard the financial sustainability of English football, has indicated that its chairman, David Kogan, suggested City's owners could potentially be removed. "The IFR has powers to assess the suitability of owners, directors and executives and we will use these powers where appropriate, in the interests of protecting the sustainability, honesty and integrity of English football where there is clear evidence of wrongdoing by individuals," Kogan said. He noted that the IFR would await further developments as proceedings between Manchester City and the Premier League are ongoing. He expressed hope for a swift resolution for the sake of the fans.

Abu Dhabi had previously warned the UK in 2023 that a negative outcome to the charges could negatively impact bilateral relations.