Exclusive: Man City could launch new legal challenge after stunning twist
Manchester City could challenge the associated party transaction (APT) rules again after the Premier League’s latest proposal has been approved, sources have told Football Insider.... The post Exclusive: Man City could launch new legal challenge after stunning twist appeared first on Football Insider.
Manchester City could challenge the associated party transaction (APT) rules again after the Premier League’s latest proposal has been approved, sources have told Football Insider.
Man City took legal action against the Premier League regarding the APT rules at an arbitration hearing in June.
Both sides claimed a victory in the case after the arbitration panel’s decision was published last month, where two aspects of the rules were deemed to be unlawful.
The Premier League issued proposed amendments earlier this month, with the top-flight clubs approving those changes at a meeting in London on Friday (22 November).
It is believed 16 sides voted in favour of the proposals, ensuring the governing body received the required two-thirds majority, as only Man City, Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest rejected the motion.
In a statement, the Premier League said the changes relate to “integrating the assessment of shareholder loans” and “include the removal of some of the amendments made to APT rules earlier this year”.
Sources have told Football Insider Man City could now look to challenge the APT rules again as the amendments have largely just seen the Premier League return to the original regulations from 2021.
Man City to review APT situation before taking further legal action
A significant part of the APT case was centred around Man City striking a lucrative extension to their deal with Etihad Airways, which the Abu Dhabi government owns through the wealth fund ADQ.
The Times reported on 6 November the Premier League’s amendments could open the door for top-flight clubs to agree significantly more lucrative sponsorship deals.
But finance expert Stefan Borson told Football Insider Man City’s deal with Etihad is unlikely to be affected by the new changes after the 2021 ruleset was used to assess the agreement.
The English champions wrote to the other 19 member clubs last week expressing their “fundamental concern” over what they claim are “unlawful” amendments to the APT rules.
Sources have told Football Insider Pep Guardiola’s side will now likely look to take stock and review the situation before deciding to push ahead with any further legal action.
It isn’t the only legal battle Man City have been involved in recently after the Premier League dealt them 115 charges in February 2023.
Although the 10-week hearing is due to finish this week, Football Insider revealed on 21 November the panel might not publish its decision until the end of March due to the complexity of the case.
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The post Exclusive: Man City could launch new legal challenge after stunning twist appeared first on Football Insider.
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