A Number 10 spokesperson has stated that Manchester City is not "above the rules" following backlash to remarks made by the mayor of Greater Manchester, according to the BBC.
The prime minister expressed concern about the possibility of Manchester City's owners selling the club after the Premier League found the club in breach of its rules. The spokesperson's comments came after the mayor had made remarks about the situation that prompted criticism.
Manchester City has faced Premier League breaches, and the prime minister indicated he would be "really concerned" if ownership changes resulted from these violations. The Number 10 position clarifies that no sports organization operates outside the established regulatory framework.
The dispute underscores tensions between political leadership and professional sports governance. While specific details about the breaches remain within the BBC's reporting, the prime minister's office sought to establish that the club operates under the same rules as other Premier League teams.
The exchange reflects broader discussions about accountability in professional football and the relationship between government and sports administration in the United Kingdom.