Ex-Manchester leader defends deals with Man City owners
Summary
Sir Richard Leese, former leader of Manchester City Council, defended the city’s partnership with the Abu Dhabi United Group (ADUG), which owns Manchester City Football Club. He said the 2015 land deal helped restart development in parts of Manchester and brought investment, despite criticism over the deal’s transparency and lack of affordable housing.Key Facts
- Sir Richard Leese led Manchester City Council for 25 years until 2021 and is honorary president of Manchester City FC.
- In 2014, Manchester City Council partnered with ADUG through Manchester Life to invest over £1 billion in housing near the Etihad Stadium.
- A 2022 University of Sheffield report criticized the joint venture for lack of affordable housing and questioned financial transparency.
- The 2015 deal gave ADUG first choice of land at below market rates, according to the report.
- Leese said the deal was supported by the UK and UAE governments and helped revive development after the 2008 recession.
- Manchester City FC, bought by ADUG in 2008, has won multiple trophies since the takeover, including several Premier League titles.
- The Premier League found Manchester City guilty of 115 financial charges in 2023, including disguised funding schemes.
- Local leaders, including former Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, emphasized the importance of ADUG’s investment for Manchester’s growth.
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