---
title: "Manchester City Financial Manipulation Report Released"
url: https://noti.group/manchester-city-financial-manipulation-report-released/
language: en
publisher: "Noti Group"
section: "Sports"
published: 2026-10-01T15:40:49.000Z
updated: 2026-10-01T19:54:33.354Z
id: 2f2117ea-1e3f-4939-bf54-96d80d0590fc
source: "The Guardian Sport https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/oct/01/andy-burnhams-manchester-city-comments-stir-fresh-tensions-with-premier-league"
attribution: "Link to https://noti.group/manchester-city-financial-manipulation-report-released/ and name Noti Group when you quote or summarize this story."
---

# Manchester City Financial Manipulation Report Released

The publication of a damning report on Manchester City's financial dealings has reignited tensions between the Premier League and the government. The independent commission's judgment of over £900m in alleged financial manipulation and "sham contracts is widely seen as a severe rebuke to the club.

Government officials are reportedly unhappy that they were not informed about the upcoming release of the report, which was made public just days after Andy Burnham's keynote speech at the Labour party conference. The Premier League responded by publishing a redacted version of the commission's findings.

Burnham has since weighed in on the matter, expressing his concerns if City's owners were forced to sell their stake in the club as a result of the report's findings. However, he emphasized that he cannot intervene further in the process, which remains subject to appeal.

The ultimate decision regarding Manchester City's disciplinary fate rests with an independent commission, pending its final judgment. The Independent Football Regulator may also assess the owners' suitability to remain running the club, but neither the Premier League nor government will have a direct role in this process.

Manchester City's appeal against a financial ruling is expected to focus on evidence showing their sponsorship deals were actually funded by the Abu Dhabi government.

The club claims this evidence will prove that they did not breach Premier League rules on financial fair play, as previously determined by an independent commission.

This argument was rejected by the commission as untrue, with paragraph 77 of the judgment stating that City's explanation for their sponsorship deals was a post-event fabrication aimed at concealing the true nature of the Disguised Funding Scheme.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester and Everton FC chairman, has expressed his own criticisms of the Premier League's handling of financial rule breaches, including the prosecution of his club three years ago.

Burnham had previously written to Premier League chair Alison Brittain in November 2023, accusing the league of an abuse of process" in its treatment of Everton and suggesting that the club was being unfairly targeted.

The Premier League has expressed discontent over a series of actions taken by Andy Burnham's office in 2023. Specifically, they were unhappy about the public posting on X of two letters of complaint sent to the league by Burnham, but not the subsequent responses from Premier League chair Alison Brittain that explained the competition's financial regulations governance process.

Burnham's recent comments expressing sympathy for Manchester City have also raised concerns within the Premier League. His statements, which cautioned against jumping to conclusions and praised the club's owners for their investment in the city, seem to be at odds with his previous criticism of the league.

The situation has significant implications for David Kogan, chief executive of the Investment Association (IFR), who has stated that he will not tolerate any form of political interference. As the City case unfolds, it is likely to test Kogan's resolve and the IFR's powers in a high-profile setting.

Burnham's past working relationship with Manchester City's owner, Abu Dhabi United Group, also raises questions about potential conflicts of interest. The club's owners have significant ties to the UK, given the £25bn annual trade between the two countries, which could further complicate the situation.

The Independent Football Association (IFR) has confirmed it is monitoring the situation surrounding Manchester City's ownership, stating its powers include assessing the suitability of owners, directors, and executives in cases where there is clear evidence of wrongdoing.

City's owners are unlikely to be affected by the new licensing system set to be introduced next season, as this focuses on financial sustainability rather than honesty and integrity.

---
Source: [The Guardian Sport](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/oct/01/andy-burnhams-manchester-city-comments-stir-fresh-tensions-with-premier-league)  
Published by Noti Group: https://noti.group/manchester-city-financial-manipulation-report-released/