Andy Burnham Speaks Out on Manchester City Ownership After Premier League Verdict

Andy Burnham has said he would be concerned if Manchester City’s current owners decided to leave the club following the Premier League’s financial-rule verdict.

The comments came after an independent commission found Manchester City guilty of the majority of the financial breaches brought against the club. The case covers a nine-year period and has now moved toward the next stage, with the question of sanctions still to be decided. 

Burnham highlights Manchester City’s role in the city

Burnham, who previously served as mayor of Greater Manchester, said Manchester City’s ownership had played a significant role in the development of the club and parts of the city.

He pointed specifically to investment around the Etihad Stadium and the wider City Football Academy area, as well as projects connected to the regeneration of Manchester.

At the same time, Burnham stressed that the Premier League case remains an independent process and said he did not want to intervene while the legal and regulatory procedures continue. 

Manchester City expected to challenge the verdict

Manchester City have rejected the findings and said they remain innocent of the accusations made against them. The club has the opportunity to appeal the commission’s decision, with the appeal process expected to play an important role in determining what happens next. 

The independent commission’s findings relate primarily to financial activity between 2009 and 2018. According to the Premier League, the commission concluded that the club had used arrangements that artificially increased reported revenue by more than £900 million during the period under investigation. 

The eventual punishment has not yet been determined. Possible sanctions under the Premier League framework include financial penalties, points deductions and other sporting measures, with the process remaining separate from the appeal against the findings. 

Ownership question adds another dimension

The case has also brought Manchester City’s ownership structure into focus.

The Independent Football Regulator has confirmed that it has powers to examine the suitability of club owners and directors where the relevant legal conditions are met. The regulator has said the Manchester City case raises issues that it will monitor as the disciplinary process develops. 

For Burnham, however, the immediate issue is not about determining the club’s punishment. He has indicated that the regulatory process should be allowed to continue before conclusions are drawn about the future of Manchester City’s ownership.

The coming months are therefore set to be significant for the club, with the appeal, potential sanctions and questions surrounding ownership all forming part of a wider process that is still ongoing.