By Zuleihat Owuiye, Nigeria

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has promised to publish details of his meetings and dealings with Manchester City’s owners following criticism over his response to the club’s financial misconduct ruling.

Burnham has faced pressure from opposition politicians to disclose his contacts with the club’s Emirati owners after Manchester City was found guilty of serious financial breaches in the Premier League case.

According to a report by GOAL, the controversy centres on allegations that the club used commercial contracts described as “sham” arrangements to inflate its revenue and understate costs by more than £900 million.

Manchester City has consistently denied wrongdoing, arguing that the independent commission’s findings contained significant errors. The club has also lodged a formal appeal against the ruling, seeking to overturn the decision and avoid potential sanctions, including a points deduction or relegation.

Opposition parties demand transparency

The controversy has extended beyond football, with opposition politicians questioning Burnham’s relationship with the club’s owners and his initial response to the verdict.

The Liberal Democrats called on the Prime Minister to disclose any meetings he had held with Manchester City’s owners, representatives of Abu Dhabi or associated organisations.

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch also urged the government to release details of meetings between Burnham and senior figures connected to the club.

The demands have intensified scrutiny of the government’s dealings with Manchester City’s ownership group and raised questions about transparency in its engagement with major investors.

Burnham promises to publish details

Responding to the criticism, Burnham said he was willing to disclose information about his dealings with the club during his time as Mayor of Greater Manchester.

Speaking on The Rest Is Politics podcast, scheduled for broadcast on Monday, October 12, 2026, Burnham said he would provide a clear account of his previous engagements with the owners. Extracts from the interview were reported by Reuters.

“The leader of the opposition asked me to publish the details of my meetings, and I am happy to do so and I will,” he said.

Burnham added that he would explain the work he carried out with the group while serving as mayor.

He maintained that his contacts with the club’s ownership were not recent, identifying one significant meeting in 2021.

Burnham served as Mayor of Greater Manchester from May 2017 until June 2026. During that period, investments linked to Abu Dhabi’s ownership group played a prominent role in Manchester City’s development and the wider city’s transformation.

Previous comments attracted criticism

Burnham’s relationship with Manchester City had already attracted attention following the financial ruling.

Last September, after the verdict was announced, he expressed concern that the club’s owners might decide to sell their stake.

He described them as important partners in the development of modern Manchester and credited them with helping transform the club into a global football force.

However, his remarks drew criticism from some observers, who believed his comments risked appearing supportive of the owners while the serious financial case remained a subject of dispute.

Manchester City continues to challenge the ruling, and the outcome of its appeal could have significant implications for the club’s future in English football.

Burnham’s promise to disclose his meetings is expected to bring further clarity to his dealings with the ownership group as political scrutiny over the matter continues.