Clubs fear political interference in Man City appeal after PM comments

Some Premier League clubs are “concerned” about political interference in Manchester City’s appeal after comments by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, sources have told BBC Sport.

Senior club figures said they were shocked when Burnham told the BBC he would be “really concerned” if City’s owners sold up after the club was found guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules. The club denies wrongdoing.

One source called the comments “absolutely bizarre”, adding that they were “at best naive and at worst quite manipulative, and that is not a good look”.

Another said: “Everyone would have a degree of concern. How much would depend on how much you read into that comment.”

However, a different source said the level of scrutiny on Burnham now makes any interference impossible.

Burnham faces pressure over his ties to City’s Abu Dhabi owners during his time as Greater Manchester mayor. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has demanded No 10 release details of his meetings with senior club figures.

Downing Street has said no one is “above the rules”. City’s appeal will be heard by an independent board, and a sanctions hearing is still to come.