Premier League Clubs Demand Clarity Over Manchester City APT Settlement

Premier League clubs are seeking detailed clarity on the settlement with Manchester City over associated party transaction (APT) regulations, INLIBER Sport understands.

Settlement Confirmed

On Monday, the Premier League informed all member clubs that Manchester City had accepted APT rules as binding and agreed to terminate ongoing legal proceedings. A joint statement was released soon after.

What Are APT Rules?

The APT regulations were introduced in December 2021 to stop clubs from signing commercial deals with owner-linked entities that exceed fair market value.

Legal Challenge

City previously sued the Premier League, calling the APT rules unlawful. Despite an independent tribunal in 2024 ruling parts of the regulations breached competition law, the league amended the rules against City’s wishes, prompting a fresh arbitration in February.

Clubs Seek Details

Sources at rival clubs say they have not been briefed on the settlement’s specifics or its implications. Many expect the league to provide assurances or detail any concessions at this month’s shareholders meeting.

Sponsorship Concerns

Clubs remain wary of reports that City will now complete a new high-value sponsorship deal with Etihad Airways, one of two Abu Dhabi-linked agreements blocked in 2023 for not meeting fair market criteria.

Fair Market Assessment

INLIBER Sport understands the proposed Etihad deal will still undergo a fair market value assessment by the Premier League board. League officials stress that no club with state ties will receive special treatment when seeking approval.

No Impact on Disciplinary Case

There is no indication that the settlement affects the Premier League’s ongoing disciplinary case against City over 115 alleged financial breaches. City continue to deny any wrongdoing.

Expert Insight

Sports lawyer Richard Cramer said the compromise means neither side wins outright but suggests City may now secure higher-value sponsorships. He added that sustained legal battles are costly and that the agreement could signal a desire to curb escalating arbitration expenses.

The settlement ends a protracted legal dispute over APT rules but leaves rival clubs seeking clarity on its terms and what it means for future commercial deals.

This topic was reported by BBC.

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