Liberal Democrats press Andy Burnham to disclose every meeting with Manchester City owners
The Liberal Democrats have told the mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, to publish every detail of his meetings with Manchester City’s owners, the Abu Dhabi United Group, and to declare any hospitality he has received at the Etihad Stadium. The demand follows an independent commission’s finding of 114 breaches and more than £830 million of disguised funding.
Lib Dems demand full disclosure
The party’s culture, media and sport spokesperson, Anna Sabine, wrote a strongly‑worded letter, seen by, criticising the prime minister for thanking the owners and describing the findings as contested. She called the defence “extraordinary” and said the prime minister’s ties to the Abu Dhabi United Group must be examined. Sabine said she will write to Downing Street and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority to request full details of all meetings.
Burnham is urged to reveal every conversation he has had with City Football Group, the Abu Dhabi United Group or any UAE government representatives, dating back to his time as mayor. The call also includes a declaration of any hospitality freebies received at the Etihad Stadium. Photographs show Burnham speaking with Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak before the Vincent Kompany testimonial in 2019.
Political fallout and club response
The prime minister this week said he would be “really concerned” if the Abu Dhabi owners were forced to sell Manchester City after the guilty verdict, prompting widespread criticism. Downing Street issued two clarifications on Thursday, insisting the verdict is serious and no one is above the rules. Shadow sports minister Louie French demanded that politics stay out of football.
A Downing Street spokesman reiterated that the initial judgement is serious, the independent process must run its course and anyone found guilty should face appropriate consequences. He added that suggestions of immunity for powerful clubs are unacceptable.
Former Manchester City and FA chairman David Bernstein said he was concerned about Burnham’s comments and argued that politicians should keep a distance from football matters. He stressed the need for the independent regulator to operate without political interference.
Manchester City confirmed on Friday that it has lodged an appeal against the commission’s verdict, claiming the decision contains clear material errors of law, principle and fact and is unsafe.
The Liberal Democrats argue that fans across the country deserve assurance that the Premier League’s rules apply equally, regardless of a club’s wealth or influence, and that transparency is essential for the sport’s integrity.