Manchester City Escalates Legal Battle Against Premier League's Sponsorship Rules

Manchester City intensifies its legal challenge against the Premier League's sponsorship regulations, claiming recent amendments are unlawful and void.

Manchester City has initiated a new legal challenge against the Premier League, targeting the recent amendments to the Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules. The club argues that these changes, approved by a majority of Premier League clubs in November 2024, are "unlawful and void".

Background

The APT rules were introduced to prevent clubs from benefiting from commercial deals with companies linked to their owners at values exceeding "fair market value". Last year, an independent arbitration panel found certain aspects of these regulations to be unlawful following a lawsuit initiated by Manchester City.

The New Challenge

In a letter to clubs, Premier League chief executive Richard Masters confirmed that Manchester City began arbitration on January 20, 2025, to challenge the amended APT rules. The club seeks a declaration that the November amendments are invalid.

Premier League's Stance

The Premier League maintains that the amendments are lawful and comply with competition law requirements. They have agreed to appoint the same tribunal to hear the new case, aiming for a swift resolution.

Financial and Legal Implications

This legal battle has already cost both sides millions of pounds in legal fees. Manchester City is also awaiting the outcome of a separate disciplinary hearing involving over 100 alleged breaches of financial rules, which the club denies.

Broader Impact

The ongoing dispute highlights the tension between clubs and the league over financial regulations. The outcome could set a significant precedent for how football clubs manage sponsorship deals and financial compliance in the future.

Next Steps

The panel is currently deliberating on the submissions made during a two-day hearing last week. Meanwhile, Premier League clubs are set to gather for their first shareholder meeting of 2025 in London, where this issue is likely to be a key topic of discussion.

Both Manchester City and the Premier League have declined to comment further on the matter.

What to Read Next

Manchester City Bolsters Squad with German Midfielder Sydney Lohmann
Football

Manchester City Bolsters Squad with German Midfielder Sydney Lohmann

Manchester City signs German midfielder Sydney Lohmann from Bayern Munich, aiming to strengthen their squad for the upcoming WSL season.

Manchester City's £35m Valuation for James McAtee: Transfer Market Buzz
Football

Manchester City's £35m Valuation for James McAtee: Transfer Market Buzz

Manchester City has set a £35m price tag for James McAtee, sparking interest from top clubs. Explore the latest football transfer news and updates.

Manchester United Secures Bryan Mbeumo in a £65m Deal: A Game-Changer for the Red Devils
Football

Manchester United Secures Bryan Mbeumo in a £65m Deal: A Game-Changer for the Red Devils

Manchester United has finalized a £65m deal to sign Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, marking a significant addition to their squad ahead of the new season.

Liverpool's Defensive Woes Continue as Wirtz Shines in First Start Against AC Milan
Football

Liverpool's Defensive Woes Continue as Wirtz Shines in First Start Against AC Milan

Liverpool's record signing Florian Wirtz made his first start in a 4-2 loss to AC Milan, highlighting defensive issues while showcasing Wirtz's potential.

Jahmai Simpson-Pusey Nears Celtic Loan: A Rising Star's Next Chapter
Football

Jahmai Simpson-Pusey Nears Celtic Loan: A Rising Star's Next Chapter

Manchester City's young defender Jahmai Simpson-Pusey is on the verge of a loan move to Celtic, marking a significant step in his promising career.

Eddie Howe Confirms No Offers for Newcastle's Star Striker Alexander Isak
Football

Eddie Howe Confirms No Offers for Newcastle's Star Striker Alexander Isak

Eddie Howe confirms Newcastle United has not received any offers for star striker Alexander Isak, amidst transfer speculation.

Arsenal Targets Eze: Latest Transfer Gossip and Premier League Updates
Football

Arsenal Targets Eze: Latest Transfer Gossip and Premier League Updates

Arsenal is set to approach Crystal Palace for Eberechi Eze, while Liverpool and Manchester United make their moves in the latest transfer gossip.

Premier League Stars Set to Shine at Afcon 2025: Key Players and Club Impacts
Football

Premier League Stars Set to Shine at Afcon 2025: Key Players and Club Impacts

Explore how Premier League stars like Mohamed Salah and Bryan Mbuemo will impact their clubs while competing at Afcon 2025 in Morocco.

Why Liam Delap Chose Chelsea: A New Chapter in His Football Career
Football

Why Liam Delap Chose Chelsea: A New Chapter in His Football Career

Liam Delap reveals why he chose Chelsea over other clubs, discussing the club's project, familiar faces, and his aspirations for the future.

Tottenham Hotspur Bolsters Defense with £5m Signing of Japanese Star Kota Takai
Football

Tottenham Hotspur Bolsters Defense with £5m Signing of Japanese Star Kota Takai

Tottenham Hotspur secures Japanese defender Kota Takai from Kawasaki Frontale for £5m, strengthening their squad with a promising young talent.

Manchester United's Transfer Turmoil: The Unwanted Five and the Road Ahead
Football

Manchester United's Transfer Turmoil: The Unwanted Five and the Road Ahead

Explore the ongoing transfer saga at Manchester United, focusing on the 'bomb squad' and their impact on the club's future plans.

Arsenal Bolsters Defense with Young Talent Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia
Football

Arsenal Bolsters Defense with Young Talent Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia

Arsenal enhances their defensive lineup by signing Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia, promising versatility and youth to their squad.

Premier League Transfer Buzz: Everton Eyes Grealish, Liverpool Secures Isak, and More
Football

Premier League Transfer Buzz: Everton Eyes Grealish, Liverpool Secures Isak, and More

Latest Premier League transfer updates: Everton targets Jack Grealish on loan, Liverpool agrees terms with Alexander Isak, and more exciting moves.

Leeds United Secures Lyon's Star Goalkeeper Lucas Perri as Seventh Summer Signing
Football

Leeds United Secures Lyon's Star Goalkeeper Lucas Perri as Seventh Summer Signing

Leeds United strengthens their squad with the acquisition of Lyon's goalkeeper Lucas Perri, marking their seventh summer signing.

Ipswich Town Stands Firm: Rejects Brentford's £35m Bid for Rising Star Omari Hutchinson
Football

Ipswich Town Stands Firm: Rejects Brentford's £35m Bid for Rising Star Omari Hutchinson

Ipswich Town has rejected a £35m bid from Brentford for winger Omari Hutchinson, signaling their intent to retain their star player amidst transfer speculations.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.