Football finance analyst Stefan Borson has claimed. That the Premier League is set to change its approach in its battle with Manchester City. The most recent focus relates to the rules surrounding the Associated Party Transaction (APT). Which governs clubs’ commercial transactions with parties connected to their owners.
Background of the Dispute
In early 2023, the Premier League charged Manchester City with over 100 violations of Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules from 2009 to 2018. If guilty, the club could face draconian punishments, such as fines, points deductions or even removal from the league. City has always denied any wrongdoing.
Court battle and tribunal determination
In the midst of these allegations, Manchester City legally challenged the Premier League’s APT rules, claiming they were illegal. In October 2024, an arbitration tribunal concluded after considering the relevant facts that specific components of the APT regulations were invalid. This decision led the Premier League to reevaluate its stance.
Proposed changes to the Premier League
Following the tribunal’s ruling, the Premier League called for a vote of its member clubs. In order to return to the initial 2021 APT rules, which are set to take place on Nov. 22, 2024. The latest move aims to alleviate the tribunal’s concerns by eliminating the changes from the earlier 2024 amendments. Said Borson: “The Premier League’s proposed amendments are simple. Reinsert language that was deleted previously, and add provisions regarding shareholder loans.
About Manchester City
It is unclear how Manchester City would respond to the proposed changes. Before the Premier League announced it publicly. The club communicated to other league members reservations about whether the proposed fixes were sufficient. City argued that the tribunal needed to ask up to eight more questions for further clarification. It is not clear whether such requests have been made so far or if the tribunal has yet issued any further decisions.
Implications for the Ongoing FFP Case
The result of this dispute relating to APT rules could have a major effect on the wider FFP case against Manchester City. Whether the independent commission takes into account the Premier League’s readiness to revise its rules as a mitigating factor in its consideration of the charges against the club. But its precise impact will only be clear in due course, as developments and possible tribunal rulings unfold.
