Andy Burnham has said people should not 'jump to conclusions' after reports claimed Manchester City had been found guilty of all but one of the 115 charges against them.
The Prime Minister and Everton fan spoke out after reports broke this afternoon of the reported findings following hearings which began two years ago.
Reported findings
City were charged back in February 2023 for allegations of breaching the league's financial rules. Reports, first appearing in the Athletic, today (September 25) claim that the club have been found guilty of 114 of the 115 charges.
Mr Burnham told ITV Granada Reports: “I’ve only just been made aware of it – I think these are reports at this stage. But if they’re confirmed, obviously I will want to look at the report of the independent commission.
“People shouldn’t jump to those kind of conclusions (about City having their titles taken off them). I know, this has been a long process between the club and the Premier League. I think quite a contested process. So I don’t think it’s as simple as jumping to conclusions.
“I think we would all need to study the independent commission’s report in some considerable detail before reaching any conclusions.”
Club statement
In a statement released earlier, a club spokesperson said: "The Premier League process remains ongoing, with significant elements to be completed, and subject to strict confidentiality. As such Manchester City FC’s position remains consistent with the club’s statement of February 2023.
"The club has diligently respected due process for eight years on the basis the Premier League board and executive would behave as an independent, impartial and fair-minded regulator, free from partisan influence."
The Manchester Evening News understands that City will be appealing the ruling. It is understood this appeal process will not take place for months.
Possible sanctions
When it is eventually heard, it is likely to be a senior judge who wades through the findings. Fair to say that we are still a long way off a final verdict.
While there has been no confirmation of the decision from the City or the Premier League, with an appeal still set to take place, a number of punishments are possible if Manchester City are ultimately found guilty. Sanctions can range from reprimands and fines to point deductions or expulsions.
Charges against City include 54 allegations of failing to provide accurate and up-to-date financial information from 2009 until 2018. They additionally face 14 alleged breaches for failing to provide accurate financial reports on player and manager compensation during the same period.
