Manchester mayor backs City owners as club prepares appeal against verdict

Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has defended Manchester City’s owners despite an independent commission finding the club guilty of most of the 115 financial charges brought by the Premier League. Burnham said he would be concerned if the City Football Group decided to sell the club. He praised the ownership for investing in Manchester since Sheikh Mansour’s takeover in 2008, including developments around the Etihad Stadium and elsewhere in the city.

The mayor told the BBC that the owners had been a major partner in the development of modern Manchester and in transforming Manchester City into a global football force. His comments came after the commission’s findings in the Premier League case. Manchester City has denied wrongdoing and is expected to appeal the findings.

The club has until 2 October to submit its appeal. The commission found, among other matters, that the club had arranged what it called sham contracts with commercial partners as part of a scheme involving more than £830m in undisclosed funding. The Premier League said City had systematically broken its rules over almost a decade.

No final punishment has been imposed. Possible sanctions include a substantial fine, a points deduction or expulsion from the Premier League, although any punishment could also be appealed. The Independent Football Regulator has said the case raises serious issues and may consider whether the owners should retain their licence after the disciplinary process ends.

Burnham said his dealings with the owners while serving as mayor would withstand scrutiny. He also cited Everton’s financial case, saying it had made him cautious about rushing to judgement while acknowledging that much was at stake for City, its supporters and Manchester.