Statement issued on Andy Burnham’s business dealings with Man City owners

The Greater Manchester Combined Authority issued a statement detailing former Mayor Andy Burnham's contacts and business dealings with Manchester City's owners. The clarification follows political pressure after Burnham voiced concerns about the club's Abu Dhabi owners potentially leaving following Manchester City's guilty verdict for 115 Premier League financial breaches.

The statement outlined that Burnham had a formal meeting with Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak in October 2021 during a government investment summit. Burnham also attended a small number of home games, met the chairman informally in 2019, and included Manchester City staff alongside other local sports teams on international mayoral business delegations.