From the Guardian · · 1m 50s
Andy Burnham's Manchester City comments stir Premier League tensions
Burnham's criticism of Premier League's Everton punishment sparks political friction.
In brief
Burnham's criticism of Premier League's Everton punishment sparks political friction. Andy Burnham accused the Premier League of abuse of process after Everton's 2023 financial penalty, raising concerns about political interference in football governance. Originally reported by the Guardian.
Burnham accuses Premier League of abuse of process
Andy Burnham accused the Premier League of 'abuse of process' when it punished Everton in 2023.
“abuse of process”
Government unhappy with lack of warning
Government officials are understood to be unhappy they were not given notice that the independent commission’s damning judgment of £900m of financial manipulation and 'sham contracts' would be published shortly after Burnham’s address at the Labour party conference.
“£900m of financial manipulation and 'sham contracts'”
Burnham warns against City selling
Burnham said he would be 'really concerned' if City’s owners were forced to sell after being found guilty of more than 100 breaches of financial rules.
“really concerned”
Downing Street clarifies position
Downing Street said the prime minister made clear that 'the initial judgment is serious' and 'there can’t be any suggestion that anyone is above the rules'.
“the initial judgment is serious”
Premier League appeals City verdict
City is appealing against the verdict after being found guilty by an independent commission following a 42-day hearing that produced 7,000 pages of witness evidence.
“42-day hearing that produced 7,000 pages of witness evidence”
Treasury committee wants HMRC involved
Meg Hillier, chair of the Treasury committee, asked HMRC for assurances it was 'seized of the importance' of the case and whether it had requested an unredacted copy of the commission’s verdict.
“seized of the importance”
Burnham's Everton criticism history
Burnham previously accused the Premier League of 'abuse of process' in 2023 after Everton were docked 10 points reduced to six on appeal by an independent commission.
“abuse of process”
Independent Football Regulator stance
The Independent Football Regulator chief executive, David Kogan, will not tolerate political interference and said he would resign if he sensed government pressure.
“will not tolerate political interference”
The key point
Andy Burnham accused the Premier League of abuse of process after Everton's 2023 financial penalty, raising concerns about political interference in football governance.
