Premier League clubs worried by political intervention in Manchester City appeal

Several Premier League clubs are “astonished” by comments from British Prime Minister Andy Burnham that appeared to play down the ruling against Manchester City, with concerns growing about possible political interference in the club’s appeal.

Manchester City was formally found guilty by the Premier League of 114 of the 115 charges brought against it over alleged financial rule breaches. The club continues to deny any wrongdoing.

Burnham told the BBC he would be “extremely concerned” if Manchester City’s owners decided to sell the club following its conviction for breaching the Premier League’s financial regulations.

The remarks have placed the independent football regulator in a difficult position, according to the BBC. Senior figures at Manchester City are understood to have questioned how the prime minister could comment on a case that is still subject to an appeal process.

Burnham has faced increasing scrutiny over his relationship with the club’s Abu Dhabi owners during his time as mayor of Greater Manchester. The attention intensified after Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch called on the prime minister’s office to publish full details of meetings between Burnham and senior figures from Manchester City.

Senior sources at the club described the prime minister’s comments as “extremely strange”. One said they were “naive at best and highly manipulative at worst, and that is not a good look”.

Another source called the remarks “unfortunate”, while a further source said they were surprised that the prime minister had “misspoken”.

The independent commission that examined the charges held a hearing lasting 42 days in 2024. Its ruling was announced last month, although a separate hearing on possible sanctions has yet to take place.

A different independent appeal panel will consider Manchester City’s challenge against the verdict. The club maintains its position that it has not committed any breach of the rules.

The political reaction has added further pressure around a case that remains unresolved. Premier League clubs are now concerned that public comments from senior politicians could influence perceptions of the appeal, despite the process being handled by independent football bodies.