Manchester City Score Huge Victory Over Premier League in APT Rules Battle
In a seismic shock to the football world, Manchester City has emerged victorious in their legal battle against the Premier League over Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules. The Premier League’s attempt to block City’s sponsorship deals has been deemed unlawful, and the club has been granted a major victory.
According to reports, eight clubs – Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool, West Ham, Brentford, Bournemouth, Fulham, and Wolves – backed the Premier League in their legal battle. However, City’s 165-page legal document proved to be the deciding factor, with the panel ruling in their favor on seven key arguments.
City’s victory is a major blow to the Premier League, which had been attempting to block the club’s sponsorship deals with Etihad Airways and other associated parties. The APT rules were introduced in 2021, following the Saudi-backed takeover of Newcastle United, in an effort to maintain the competitiveness of the Premier League and prevent clubs from inflating commercial deals with businesses associated with their owners.
But City’s legal team argued that the rules were unlawful, and the panel has now concurred with their claims. The club’s statement on the matter read: "The Club has succeeded with its claim: the Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules have been found to be unlawful and the Premier League’s decisions on two specific MCFC sponsorship transactions have been set aside."
The Premier League has published a lengthy statement on the findings, which can be read in full on their website. The statement confirms that the APT Rules must now be altered, with the removal of some amendments previously made and the integration of the assessment of Shareholder loans.
This victory is a major coup for Manchester City, and a significant setback for the Premier League. It’s a reminder that, even in the face of adversity, determination and perseverance can pay off.
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