Published on 01/10/2026 – 20:55 GMT+2•Updated 20:58
Downing Street stated on Thursday that Manchester City is not exempt from the rules, responding to criticism of remarks made by Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham regarding the case.
A No 10 spokesperson said, “As the prime minister made clear, the initial judgement is serious and there can be no suggestion that anyone is above the rules.”
Burnham, a former mayor of Greater Manchester and a devoted Everton supporter, told the BBC on Wednesday that he would be troubled to see the club’s Emirati owners depart because of the investigation. “I would be really concerned to lose them,” he said, noting the substantial investment the Abu Dhabi United Group has made in Manchester.
The ten‑time English champions, who deny any wrongdoing, now face an uncertain future after being found guilty of more than 100 rule breaches.
The Abu Dhabi‑backed club was discovered to have entered into “sham” agreements that artificially boosted revenues and cut costs by over £900 million (approximately €1.05 billion) between 2009 and 2018.
Downing Street added that the ongoing independent inquiry must be allowed to conclude and its outcome respected, emphasizing that wherever wrongdoing is proven, those responsible should face appropriate sanctions.
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