Burnham’s meeting with Manchester City chair and other contacts with club disclosed

Details have been released showing past contacts between Andy Burnham and Manchester City's owners, including a formal meeting with club chair Khaldoon al-Mubarak. The Greater Manchester Combined Authority disclosed that Burnham met al-Mubarak at an investment summit in October 2021 and spoke with him informally at Vincent Kompany's testimonial in September 2019. Burnham also attended matches and was accompanied by club staff on overseas trips.

The disclosures follow scrutiny after Burnham expressed concern over potential ownership changes following Manchester City's financial breaches. Manchester City were found guilty of breaching Premier League financial regulations between 2009 and 2018, though the club appealed the verdict. Shadow sports minister Louie French criticized the disclosure, arguing that more transparency is required regarding Burnham's relationship with the club's ownership.