Burnham to Publish Manchester City Dealings After Criticism

Andy Burnham has pledged to publish details of his dealings with Manchester City while he was Greater Manchester mayor, following criticism of his supportive comments about the club’s Abu Dhabi owners. He said he had one significant meeting with them, in 2021, and would make the details public. Burnham said the club’s investment in Manchester should be considered separately from the football allegations, while stressing that the independent process must run its course. A Premier League commission found City breached financial rules from 2009 to 2018, including through alleged sham sponsorship agreements; the club denies wrongdoing and has appealed, with sanctions pending. His comments have prompted concern among political opponents and some Premier League clubs about possible political interference in the appeal.