Andy Burnham urges caution over leaked Manchester City verdict

Andy Burnham has called for caution after a leaked report claimed Manchester City had been found guilty of 114 of the 115 charges brought against the club in February 2023.

The intervention by the British prime minister is unprecedented in English football, with the case regarded as the biggest financial corruption investigation in Premier League history. Burnham spoke out just hours after The Athletic published details of the alleged verdict, ending the official silence surrounding the proceedings.

Burnham, who formally became prime minister on 20 July 2026 after succeeding Keir Starmer, is currently in New York attending the United Nations General Assembly. The visit is his first major diplomatic appearance since taking office.

The prime minister, who is known to support Everton, told Manchester Evening News: “I’ve only just heard about it, and I think it is just reports at this stage. But if it is confirmed, I will of course make sure that I read the independent commission’s report.”

He also warned against drawing immediate conclusions about Manchester City’s future.

“People shouldn’t rush to draw these sorts of conclusions about titles being taken away from Manchester City,” Burnham said. “I know this has been a long process between the club and the Premier League, and I think it has been a controversial process.

“So I don’t think it is that simple, and we cannot rush to conclusions. I think we will all need to study the independent commission’s report in great detail.”

Manchester City maintains silence over confidential process

Manchester City has declined to confirm the contents of the leaked report. A club spokesperson said the Premier League process was still under way and that significant elements remained to be completed.

“The Premier League process is still ongoing, with important elements to be completed, and is subject to strict confidentiality,” the spokesperson said.

“As such, the position of Manchester City remains consistent with the club’s statement issued in February 2023. The club has adhered to due process throughout the eight-year period.”

Manchester Evening News reported that City would appeal any ruling as soon as it was formally announced. However, the appeal process is not expected to begin for several months, when a senior judge would review the findings. That means a final decision remains some way off.

No punishment has been confirmed, but the possible sanctions would be among the most serious in the history of the competition. They could range from a reprimand and substantial fines to a points deduction or expulsion from the Premier League.

The charges include 54 allegations relating to an alleged failure to provide accurate financial information between 2009 and 2018. A further 14 charges concern the alleged manipulation of player and coach salaries.