Some Premier League clubs are concerned that Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s comments about Manchester City could create a perception of political interference in the club’s appeal.
An independent commission found City guilty of all charges relating to financial-rule breaches between 2009-10 and 2017-18, and most of the charges over the club’s failure to co-operate with the investigation.
City deny wrongdoing and lodged an appeal on October 1.
The reaction followed a interview in which Burnham said he would be “really concerned” if City’s owners decided to sell the club.
He praised their contribution to Manchester, describing them as “a huge partner in the building of modern Manchester” and in making City a global force.
Downing Street later stressed that the verdict was serious, that nobody was above the rules and that the independent process must be allowed to run its course.
It said those responsible should face appropriate consequences wherever wrongdoing is established.
According to the BBC, however, some senior club figures were astonished by Burnham’s initial remarks and questioned what they were intended to achieve.
One source described them as “at best naive and at worst quite manipulative”, while another called them “clumsy”.
The comments were also said to have put the Independent Football Regulator in a difficult position.
One senior club source said the remarks had caused concern because of the political and economic ties involved, adding: “We understand the geopolitics as well.
“We understand the investment they have made in our country. I don’t think anyone could doubt that or criticise that. But this is different, this is sport, this is our national game.”
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Another source offered a different view, saying the level of scrutiny now surrounding Burnham made any interference impossible.
The appeal itself is due to be heard by a separate independent board; the commission that reached the original verdict is also expected to consider sanctions after the appeal process.
Burnham’s comments have drawn additional attention because he spent nine years as Greater Manchester mayor, from 2017 until earlier this year, during a period when City’s owners invested in the club and the surrounding area.
As mayor, he championed Gulf investment as part of the region’s economic development.
The prime minister also compared City’s case with Everton’s previous financial-rule dispute, saying he still believed the Merseyside club had not been treated fairly.
Everton’s original 10-point deduction was reduced to six on appeal.
The government has a broader interest in UK-UAE relations, while Burnham’s support for Everton is a visible part of his public profile.
He has also spoken about allowing fans to drink in football stands, although it was later clarified that this was not government policy.
City continue to contest the commission’s findings.
The appeal and any eventual sanctions remain subject to independent proceedings.
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