Burnham vows to keep distance from UAE over Man City appeal after guilty verdict

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged to “keep my distance” from any UAE government representatives who approach him over Manchester City’s appeal, following the Premier League’s announcement on Tuesday that an independent panel found the club guilty of the majority of 115 financial charges.

The panel concluded that City constructed “sham” commercial agreements with multiple sponsors between 2009-10 and 2017-18 as part of a covert funding arrangement, in which the companies covered only a fraction of the agreed sponsorship costs. The outstanding amounts were found to have been provided by the club’s parent entity, Abu Dhabi United Group Investment & Development Ltd (ADUG).

Speaking to 5 News, Burnham — who is a supporter of Everton — drew on his experience of that club’s own points-deduction dispute to justify a cautious stance. “I think it’s only right to say that it is still contested now,” he said. “The Premier League proclaimed [Everton] guilty and I never accepted that and therefore it would be somewhat wrong of me to leap to judgment on another football club. But they’re very serious charges, don’t get me mind.”

Everton were initially docked 10 points for financial rule breaches in 2024 before successfully appealing to have the sanction reduced to six points.

Burnham acknowledged his previous dealings with City Football Group — the club’s parent organisation — and said he was grateful for its investment in the wider Manchester area. “I would be really concerned to lose them” if the ownership chose to sell, he added. When asked directly whether those past interactions would withstand public scrutiny, he replied: “Oh indeed… yes of course.”

City have vowed to appeal the verdict. Burnham made clear that while he respects their right to challenge the findings, he will not act as an intermediary or engage with the UAE government on the matter. “I think it’s only right that Manchester City and Manchester City supporters have that opportunity to continue to contest the situation if they don’t think it’s fair,” he said.