Andy Burnham slammed for ‘tone deaf’ Man City statement after Prime Minister shared ‘concern’ at losing Abu Dhabi owners who have ‘been a huge partner in building modern Manchester’

Andy Burnham has faced widespread criticism after expressing concern over the possibility of Manchester City losing its Abu Dhabi owners following the club's financial rule breaches. An Independent Commission found Manchester City guilty of serious violations, which included misleading the Premier League over more than £900 million in sponsorship deals. Burnham, speaking at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium, praised the ownership's role in rebuilding modern Manchester and urged caution before jumping to conclusions while an appeal remains contested.

Critics, including pundit Stan Collymore and politician Mothin Ali, condemned Burnham's remarks as tone deaf and alleged potential political interference with the Football Regulator. Meanwhile, Manchester City chief executive Ferran Soriano maintained the club's innocence, citing irrefutable evidence. The Independent Football Regulator plans to assess owner suitability once the sanctioning and appeal processes conclude ahead of the October 2 appeal deadline.