AFP reports Premier League clubs fear political meddling over Manchester City

Premier League clubs have voiced alarm that Manchester City’s appeal could be compromised by political interference, AFP reports. The concern follows Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s September comment that he would be ‘really concerned’ if the club’s owners chose to sell after a guilty verdict on financial breaches.

Burnham’s links to Abu Dhabi United Group

Burnham, who served as mayor of Greater Manchester from 2017 until becoming prime minister this summer, previously liaised with the club’s owners, the Abu Dhabi United Group (ADUG). He highlighted that the ownership had been a “huge partner in the building of modern Manchester”, citing projects such as the Co‑op Arena, Medlock Square and the 6,000‑home Manchester Life regeneration scheme.

Club reaction to the prime minister’s remarks

Senior figures at several Premier League clubs described Burnham’s remarks as “absolutely bizarre” and “clumsy”, questioning the motive behind his BBC interview. One source called the comments “naïve at best and manipulative at worst”, while another said they were simply “misspoken”.

Political scrutiny and calls for transparency

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has demanded that No 10 publish all details of meetings between the prime minister and senior ADUG representatives. Opposition Labour members also expressed unease, fearing the comments could influence voter perception.

Ed Maylon, journalist and co‑owner of Mexican club Queretaro FC, warned that there is a “non‑zero” chance Burnham could be forced out of office over the issue, adding that states should not own football clubs.

The appeal is being heard by a separate independent board, distinct from the commission that delivered the 42‑day hearing in 2024 and the guilty verdict announced last month. Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said the club had “systematically broke Premier League rules for nearly a decade”.

Club sources stress that while the investment from ADUG has transformed Manchester’s economy, the current scrutiny is purely about sport and the integrity of the appeal process.