Man City ‘not above the rules’, Downing Street says after Burnham remarks

London, October 2, 2026 — Downing Street has stressed that Manchester City is not “above the rules” after Prime Minister Andy Burnham faced criticism over comments about the club’s owners following a major Premier League financial-rules ruling.

The clarification came after Burnham said he would be “really concerned” if Manchester City’s current owners decided to sell the club. He praised the City Football Group for its investment in Manchester and the development of the Etihad Stadium and surrounding campus.

The prime minister also said he did not intend to interfere in the independent disciplinary process and argued that it would be wrong to reach a conclusion while Manchester City contests the findings.

Downing Street clarifies position

Following criticism of Burnham’s comments, a No 10 spokesperson said the initial judgment against Manchester City was serious and that there could be no suggestion that anyone was above the rules.

The government also stressed that the process remains independent and should be allowed to run its course. Downing Street said that where wrongdoing is established, those responsible should face appropriate consequences.

The clarification came after opposition politicians questioned whether Burnham’s comments could be interpreted as political support for City’s ownership.

Shadow sports minister Louie French called for politics to be kept out of football and said the Premier League’s independent process should be allowed to operate without outside influence.

What Manchester City were found guilty of

The controversy comes days after an independent commission found Manchester City guilty of most of the 115 charges brought against the club concerning Premier League financial rules covering the period from 2009 to 2018.

The Premier League said the commission found that City had arranged commercial agreements that were designed to disguise funding, with the findings referring to more than £830 million in secret funding. Manchester City has denied wrongdoing and has indicated that it will appeal the decision.

The commission’s sanctions will be considered separately. Potential penalties under the Premier League’s rules include financial penalties and sporting sanctions, although the eventual outcome remains subject to the continuing process and City’s appeal.

City expected to appeal

Manchester City has maintained that the commission’s conclusions contain significant errors and that the club has evidence supporting its position.

According to reports, part of the expected appeal could focus on the club’s argument that important sponsorship payments came from the Abu Dhabi government rather than directly from its ownership.

The Independent Football Regulator is also monitoring developments. Its chairman has said the regulator has powers concerning the suitability of owners, directors and executives, while emphasizing that proceedings surrounding the Premier League case remain ongoing.

HMRC questions also emerge

The case has also attracted parliamentary interest beyond football. Dame Meg Hillier, chair of the House of Commons Treasury Committee, has written to HMRC seeking reassurance that it is considering the potential tax implications of the findings.

For now, the dispute remains centred on Manchester City’s appeal and the separate disciplinary process that will determine any sanctions. The government’s latest statement is intended to underline that the football authorities’ process remains independent of political considerations.