Prime Minister Andy Burnham has stated he would be "really concerned" if Manchester City's Abu Dhabi owners were to sell the club. His comments, made on Wednesday, mark his first public remarks on the matter since becoming Prime Minister.
Burnham's position reportedly contrasts with the views of many within football, where there are calls for English football to address state ownership. Some political experts suggest that the Abu Dhabi political leadership may not understand the UK government's inability to influence football institutions in the same way as centralised Gulf autocracies.
Amidst ongoing scrutiny, the Financial Times reported on Thursday that Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak was granted diplomatic immunity in the UK six years ago. While there is no suggestion of personal wrongdoing by Mubarak, this detail is considered relevant to the case, with an expectation of increased scrutiny on individuals central to the club's operation.
David Kogan, chair of the Independent Football Regulator, issued a statement acknowledging that the independent commission's decision raises serious issues. He confirmed the body's powers to assess the suitability of owners, directors, and executives, stating these powers would be used "where appropriate, in the interests of protecting the sustainability, honesty and integrity of English football where there is clear evidence of wrongdoing by individuals."