Manchester City have won a significant legal battle against the Premier League regarding Associated Party Transactions (APT) rules, with the tribunal ruling the regulations “unlawful” and “unenforceable.” This decision could have major financial and legal implications for City, other clubs, and the Premier League itself.
Manchester City’s legal challenge against the Premier League’s APT rules has resulted in a major victory, as the tribunal found that the rules in place between December 2021 and November 2024 were invalid. These rules were introduced to prevent clubs with wealthy owners—like City and Newcastle United—from inflating sponsorship revenues by signing deals with companies linked to their ownership.
City argued that the rules were anti-competitive, and the tribunal agreed, declaring them void. This means that clubs whose commercial deals were blocked or adjusted under these regulations may now seek compensation from the Premier League.
However, a second legal case is ongoing, as the Premier League introduced new APT rules in November 2024. These remain in effect for now, but City are challenging them as well, meaning further legal battles could follow.
