Labour's deputy leader, Lucy Powell, has stated that Manchester City's trophies are not 'tainted' and believes the club should retain their titles despite facing 115 charges from the Premier League for financial rule breaches. Powell, who is also the Education Secretary and a season ticket holder for Manchester City, described the club's recent successes as 'hard fought for' and expressed her pride in their achievements.
Her comments come after the Premier League found Manchester City guilty on all but one of the charges, which date back to the 2009-10 season, following the club's takeover by Abu Dhabi investors. The club has consistently denied the charges, with chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak reiterating his confidence in proving the club's innocence.
However, calls have emerged for City to be stripped of titles won during the period in question if they are found guilty on appeal. When asked about lobbying Prime Minister Andy Burnham on the matter, Powell responded that the trophies were 'hard fought for' and not 'tainted at all'.
Powell also took a swipe at rivals Manchester United, referencing calls from former United manager Jose Mourinho for his old club to be awarded any forfeited City titles. "I think United were s*** in those years to be honest, as they still are now," she stated, suggesting United fans were 'gleeful' but would need to 'try a bit harder'.
This stance contrasts with the initial responses from Prime Minister Andy Burnham and other government officials. Burnham had previously advised against 'jumping to conclusions,' emphasizing the need to study the independent commission's report in detail. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy expressed that the situation was 'unsettling for football fans' and hoped for a swift resolution.
Manachester City's chairman, Khaldoon Al Mubarak, stated over the weekend that his 'confidence and intent in proving the club's innocence is just as strong as when this began'. The club has vehemently denied the charges laid against them by the Premier League in February 2023.