Downing Street clarifies Manchester City stance after Burnham comments

Downing Street has stressed that Manchester City must be subject to the same rules as other clubs after criticism of Prime Minister Andy Burnham's comments about their owners. According to the BBC, No 10 said the independent proceedings over City's breaches of Premier League financial rules should continue without interference and that their eventual outcome must be respected.

Watch the highlights:

The clarification followed Burnham's BBC interview on Wednesday, when he expressed concern about the possibility of City's owners leaving. The former Greater Manchester mayor pointed to their contribution to the city and the club, while also saying he was not intervening in the case. Downing Street subsequently emphasised the seriousness of the initial judgment and said appropriate consequences should follow wherever wrongdoing is established.

The BBC reported that an independent commission found City guilty of most of the 115 charges brought against them. The club deny wrongdoing and have until Friday to lodge an appeal. A separate sanctions hearing will determine any punishment, with the BBC reporting that it could take months to convene. A substantial fine or a points deduction are among the possible outcomes, rather than penalties already imposed.

Opposition politicians challenged Burnham's intervention. Conservative shadow sports minister Louie French called for the government to avoid influencing football's disciplinary process and questioned the prime minister's public support for City's owners. Liberal Democrat sports spokesperson Anna Sabine also argued that supporters of every club needed assurance that the same rules applied across the game.

The case has drawn attention beyond football's own disciplinary bodies. Treasury committee chair Dame Meg Hillier wrote to HMRC on Thursday seeking reassurance about its consideration of any potential tax implications, the BBC reported. Her request concerned possible consequences of the findings; it did not establish a separate tax ruling against the club.

Independent Football Regulator chairman David Kogan said the findings raised serious issues. He pointed to the regulator's authority to assess whether owners, directors and executives are suitable, and said those powers would be used where appropriate while taking league findings into account. Kogan also acknowledged that proceedings remain unresolved and expressed hope for a prompt conclusion. City continue to maintain their innocence as the appeal deadline approaches.