Manchester City have secured a legal victory in their long-running battle with the Premier League over financial rules. An independent panel ruled that the Premier League’s Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules are void and unenforceable, a decision that could have significant implications.
The ruling, which has been met with conflicting interpretations, is seen by many as a breakthrough that could lead to further legal challenges. The Premier League, however, maintains that the decision does not affect the validity of the current APT rules, which were revised and voted in by clubs in November 2024.
City’s legal team had contested the old APT rules, which were introduced in 2021 to ensure commercial deals with clubs’ ownership-linked entities were set at fair market values. The rules particularly targeted deals involving City’s Abu Dhabi-backed owners, including lucrative agreements with Etihad Airways and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
The Premier League insists that the revised rules are valid and enforceable, despite the tribunal’s ruling against the previous regulations. City are challenging the new rules in a separate case, aiming to secure another favorable outcome.
This legal victory comes amidst the ongoing case regarding more than 100 alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations dating back to 2009, with a verdict expected soon.
The developments suggest a tense and evolving situation, with City continuing their fight against what they argue are restrictive financial rules. The final outcome of these legal challenges will shape the future of financial governance within English football.
