Former Manchester Leader Defends Ties with Manchester City Owners Amidst League Charges
Sir Richard Leese expresses concern over potential withdrawal of UAE investment, highlighting significant contributions to the city and its football club.
Veteran former council leader Sir Richard Leese has defended the long-standing relationship between Manchester and the owners of Manchester City, expressing concern that potential fallout from Premier League charges could lead to a withdrawal of investment. Leese, who served as metropolitan mayor of Greater Manchester from 2017 to 2026, stated that he would be "really concerned" if the owners were to disengage from the club.
"They've been such a huge partner in the building of modern Manchester and the building of Manchester City into the global force that it is," Leese said when asked about the potential consequences of the charges leveled against the club. These charges, brought by the Premier League, relate to alleged breaches of financial rules over a nine-year period.
Recent reports suggest that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) may reconsider or halt UK-wide investment schemes worth billions of pounds as a consequence of the Premier League's actions. Sir Richard voiced his hope that Manchester would not suffer from a cessation of UAE investment. "I think certainly Abu Dhabi will be thinking that they have been very badly treated given the contribution that they have made - not just to Manchester but to English football as well," he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.
Leese emphasized that the investment from Abu Dhabi has been "very significant" for Manchester. He pointed to the development of the Manchester City football club, its training facilities, and the City Football Group headquarters as tangible results of this partnership. "I think for the city, one thing about working with Abu Dhabi is everything that they promised they have delivered," he noted, highlighting their "real credibility in the city" and the desire to maintain that relationship.
He further stated, "I don't think any other football club has got anywhere near the sort of contribution that they have made to their local community." Leese described the transformation of Manchester City as "a phenomenon really" that he believes "has to be maintained in some way whatever the final outcome of the allegations against them."
Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who preceded Leese as mayor, also expressed his concerns last week. While not speaking directly about the charges, Burnham noted that the owners have been a "huge partner" in Manchester's development and that he would be concerned if they were to withdraw their involvement.
