Manchester City could find themselves having a very busy season on and off the pitch.
On the pitch, City could end up playing up to 85 matches throughout the campaign if they make it to the final of each competition they’re featuring in.
This is a result of the new Champions League format and the upcoming Club World Cup.
Then off the pitch, the Manchester club are fighting against their alleged 115 financial charges from the Premier League.
In addition to that, the Blues have taken action against the Premier League over their associated party transaction (APT) regulations, which were introduced in December 2021 after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund bought Newcastle United.
Now though, some details have emerged regarding this particular case which should interest a lot of City supporters and those who work behind the scenes at the Etihad Stadium including Pep Guardiola.
- Man City 2024/25 squad cost in full: Transfer fees and stats for every player
Journalist shares update from Man City’s APT case against the Premier League
In a recent post shared on his official X account, journalist Mike Keegan had this to say on the matter.
He said: “MAJOR BREAKING: Manchester City appear to have scored a victory over the Premier League on APTs after a vote to amend rules was pulled at the last-minute from this morning’s clubs meeting.
“Could well indicate City have been successful in their legal challenge (eg: no point amending rules that may soon be changed/removed). Potentially huge development. Story @MailSport shortly.”
What are the Premier League’s associated party transaction regulations?
According to a recent report from iNews, “APT rules stop clubs from signing off inflated sponsorship deals with parties linked to owners – or associated parties – as well as ensuring fair market value on transfers between teams under the same multi-club structure.”
In addition to that, Adam Williams, Head of Football Finance and Governance Content for GRV Media said this to Manchester City News about Keegan’s recent update.
“APT rules were introduced after and as a direct response to the Newcastle United takeover.
“Basically, the rules are aimed at preventing clubs from signing artificially inflated sponsorship agreements with companies linked to their owners in order to get around PSR.
“As part of the APT rules, commercial deals signed by City and the rest of the Premier League are scrutinised for fair market value.
“The Premier League outsource the fair market value assessments to a data gathering firm, but City argue that the rules are unfairly enforced and are stifling competition.
“If City have secured victory in this case, it’s a pretty seismic moment.
“We won’t know exactly how big it is until we see the ruling, and it is worth noting that these arbitration proceedings rarely end in a definitive ‘win’ for either side.
“But if it has been ruled that the APT rules are anti-competitive to some degree, the Premier League is going to have to go back to its member clubs and figure something out.
“Then you’re starting to run into issues about the Premier League’s constitution itself. If this stuff can be struck down in arbitration, how can the Premier League govern itself?
“I really think this could be an existential issue for the Premier League.
“It will also add to the calls to strengthen the powers available to an independent regulator for English football, which is expected to be introduced next year.
“But for now, City will be elated, as will the likes of Newcastle and Aston Villa, who have their own issues with the APT rules.
“Although, it should very much be stressed that without seeing updated rules or an official ruling, this is hearsay at present.
“From what I can see, it looks as though journalists have deduced that City have succeeded because of changes to the agenda at a meeting, but we haven’t actually got confirmation of that yet.”
Taking all of that into account, it seems that while this update may be perceived as a potential positive for City, there is still some way to go before this case gets completed.
