Manchester mayor says he will not intervene in City financial breach case
Mayor Andy Burnham said he will stay out of the legal process over Manchester City's financial violations, while expressing concern about the club's potential sale.
Manchester City has been found guilty of 114 financial breaches covering 2009-2018, including about £830 million in alleged disguised funding through so-called “sham” contracts. The club plans to appeal the commission’s findings, which could lead to titles being stripped and a sanction before the end of the 2026/27 Premier League season.
Mayor Andy Burnham told the BBC he will not become involved in the legal proceedings, saying he must keep his distance and that it would be improper for him to intervene. > "I have to keep my distance from it. It would be wrong for me to do anything else. It's an independent legal process that has to play its course..." He added that the outcome carries significant implications for the club, its supporters and the city of Manchester.
When asked about the possibility of the club being sold, Burnham said he would be concerned about losing the organization, noting its role in the development of modern Manchester. > "They've been such a huge partner in the building of modern Manchester. Obviously, the building of Manchester City into the global force that it is." He also thanked the City Football Group for investments in the Etihad stadium and surrounding infrastructure.
Burnham referenced a past case involving Everton, suggesting that hindsight might view that handling as unfair, and cautioned against drawing premature conclusions. City must lodge an appeal by October 2, after which the final sanctions will be determined.