Downing Street has insisted that Manchester City are not “above the rules” after Prime Minister Andy Burnham faced criticism over comments about the club’s breaches of Premier League financial regulations.
No 10 Responds to Controversy
A Downing Street spokesperson said the findings against Manchester City were serious and stressed that the rules must apply equally.
“As the prime minister made clear, the initial judgement is serious and there can't be any suggestion that anyone is above the rules,” the spokesperson said.
The statement followed criticism of Burnham after he expressed concern about the possibility of Manchester City’s Emirati owners leaving the club as a result of the case.
Burnham Concerned About Owners Leaving
Burnham said he would be concerned if the Abu Dhabi United Group walked away from Manchester City.
“I would be really concerned to lose them,” Burnham said, pointing to the owners’ substantial investment in Manchester.
His remarks prompted criticism from those concerned about political involvement in an ongoing football disciplinary process.
City Found Guilty of More Than 100 Breaches
Manchester City were found guilty by an independent commission of more than 100 breaches of Premier League financial rules. The 10-time English champions deny wrongdoing and are expected to appeal the decision.
The commission found that the Abu Dhabi-backed club used “sham” arrangements to artificially inflate revenues and reduce costs by more than £900 million between 2009 and 2018.
Independent Process Must Continue
Downing Street stressed that the disciplinary proceedings remain independent and should be allowed to continue without interference.
The government said the process must be “allowed to run its course and the outcome respected”.
“Wherever wrongdoing is established, those responsible should face the appropriate consequences,” the spokesperson added.
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2 October 2026
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