The Greater Manchester Combined Authority said in a statement on Oct. 12 that it was publishing details of two meetings between British Prime Minister Burnham, when he was Mayor of Manchester, and Manchester City owner Mubarak. The move comes as Burnham faces criticism over his response to Manchester City's breach of Premier League financial rules.
The statement said that in October 2021, Burnham met Mubarak formally in his capacity as Mayor of Manchester at a government-hosted Global Investment Summit. In 2019, he also had informal contact with Mubarak while attending a charity commemorative match as mayor. Manchester City staff also joined a business delegation led by Burnham on a visit to China and Japan.
The Premier League earlier ruled that Manchester City seriously breached financial rules. Burnham once said he was worried the owner would sell the club after the conviction, calling them huge partners in building modern Manchester. The opposition Liberal Democrats interpreted the remarks as defending the club and demanded that he explain the details of his contacts with club executives. A spokesperson for Burnham later said that if the club was indeed at fault, it should face "appropriate consequences."
Burnham served as Mayor of Manchester from May 2017 to June 2026, and then moved into Downing Street. Analysts noted that Manchester City is an important pillar of the local economy and image, and the affair has left the new prime minister in an awkward position between interests and emotions.
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