Richard Leese defends Abu Dhabi deal as ‘good for Manchester’ as he speaks out on Man City charges

Former Manchester City Council leader Sir Richard Leese has defended Abu Dhabi's investment in Manchester following the Premier League commission's guilty verdict against Manchester City. Speaking on BBC Radio 4, Leese argued that the partnership has been exceptionally beneficial for urban regeneration and expressed hope that the ownership will maintain its local commitments despite the legal outcome.

Manchester City was found guilty by an independent commission of breaching financial rules across nine seasons, though the club has appealed. Leese dismissed claims of poor transparency regarding municipal arrangements, emphasizing that the original investment framework was brokered by the UK government and revitalized east Manchester.