Andy Burnham Criticised Over His 'Concern' Manchester City Owners Could Quit English Football

Andy Burnham has been criticised for expressing sympathy for Manchester City’s Abu Dhabi owners after the club was found guilty of multiple breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules.

The prime minister said he “would be really concerned to lose them” if they decided to sell up in the wake of the row.

An independent commission found the club had inflated its revenue and hidden costs through a series of “sham” commercial deals over a nine-season period.

The findings could see City hit with a massive points deduction, huge fine and could even lead to them being stripped of their titles.

The club’s owners have denied all the charges against them and are expected to appeal the ruling.

Asked by the BBC if he was worried the owners could sell the club, Burnham – the former mayor of Greater Manchester – said: “I would be really concerned to lose them.

“They’ve been such a huge partner in the building of modern Manchester. Obviously, the building of Manchester City into the global force that it is.”

Asked if all his dealings with City while he was mayor will stand up to scrutiny, Burnham said: “Oh indeed. I do actually thank the City Football Group and the wider ownership for the money that they didn’t just put into the Etihad and the campus around it but also into the city, but yes of course.”

The PM said there was “a lot at stake ... for the football club, for city supporters, for the city of Manchester”.

His comments were condemned by politicians, supporters of other clubs as well as senior figures within football.

Green Party deputy leader Mothin Ali said: “Andy Burnham’s comments are staggering, just one day after saying people should come before profit, he sides with big money over the integrity of a sport that belongs to the people.

“It’s a shame the prime minister appears to agree there should be one rule for the rich and one for everyone else.”

Leading football journalist Henry Winter said: “These are owners found guilty of serial breaches of the Premier League rule-book by three judges on an independent commission after a lengthy investigation.

“Come on, PM. Read the room.”

However, the PM was praised by high-profile City fan and Oasis lead singer Liam Gallagher, who posted on X: “There’s only 1 Andy Burnham.”

Listen to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. Every week, Kevin Schofield and Kate Nicholson unpack the week’s biggest stories to keep you informed. Join us for straightforward analysis of what’s going on at Westminster.