Burnham embroiled in Man City crisis: Why UK PM is caught in the crossfire

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FT Desk

United Kingdom Prime Minister has received criticism for his response to Manchester City's 114 charges of financial breaches by the Premier League.

At the heart of the case are City's financial records covering the period from 2009 to 2018. The Premier League has initially raised concerns over whether the club provided accurate information about areas such as sponsorship agreements, income, expenditure, and payments made to both players and managers.

City are also alleged to have breached UEFA’s Financial Fair Play regulations, as well as financial regulations established by the Premier League itself. Alongside these accusations, the club has been charged with failing to cooperate fully with the investigation, including allegedly not providing certain documents and information requested by the league.

The club has strongly denied the allegations and maintain that they have not committed any wrongdoing. The investigation has continued for several years before reaching its current stage, and if the charges are ultimately proven, the consequences for the club could be substantial. Potential sanctions include a financial fine, a points deduction or, in the most serious circumstances, relegation. However, no final punishment has been decided.

Asked by the BBC if he was concerned that Man City's Abu Dhabi would now sell the club, Burham said on Wednesday:

"I would be really concerned to lose them.

"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.

"I do actually thank the City Football Group and the wider ownership for the money that they didn't just put into the Etihad [Stadium] and the campus around it but also into the city".

Horrendous statement from UK prime minister Andy Burnham on Manchester City’s Abu Dhabi ownership.
1) As PM he should remain entirely neutral.
2) ‘I can’t intervene *more*’ suggests he already has.
3) ‘The detail’ may demonstrate that losing them would be for the best. pic.twitter.com/qlf30fLVJm

— Duncan Castles (@DuncanCastles) September 30, 2026

The Abu Dhabi owners of Manchester have previously been credited with investing billions of pounds into the city, including charitable initiatives.

However, the Premier League said City "systematically broke Premier League Rules for nearly a decade", and that's why Burnham has received criticism for his support of the ownership.

He appeared to express sympathy for City's plight as the club he supports, Everton, were found guilty of financial breaches in 2023 and docked six points.

“I can’t intervene more in the process,” he said. “It would be wrong for me to do that. It would be wrong, I think, to jump to a conclusion before having really studied all of the detail. But obviously it’s ongoing, and because it’s still contested by Manchester City then I think it’s right that I don’t say much more.

“Everton was in this position a few years ago and you might remember that I fought for Everton in that situation. I still hold the view very firmly that they weren’t fairly treated in that process. I remember people proclaiming Everton guilty at the time and, with hindsight, I think more people would say that wasn’t fair the way that was handled.”

Burnham also indicated that he would not interfere in the Premier League's investigation.

Following his comments, Oasis frontman and Man City superfan Liam Gallagher posted on X: "There's only 1 Andy Burnham".

There is the possibility that criminal proceedings may be required if City are found to have broken any laws.

But, it was confirmed by the Financial Times that City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak is protected by diplomatic immunity which could complicate any potential investigation.

Mubarak, a high-ranking official in the United Arab Emirates government, was added to the UK's list of approved diplomats in 2020 which gives him immunity from any criminal proceedings and most civil action in UK courts.