Manchester City are challenging the new and unique measures implemented by the Premier League in their ongoing dispute over Associated Party Transaction (APT) regulations. The club is currently embroiled in a significant legal battle with the league regarding accusations of financial misrepresentation over a period of almost ten years. A hearing is set to be held later this year to address the charges brought against the reigning champions. Prior to the crucial decision being made by an independent commission that could radically impact the game, the Blues have raised concerns with the Premier League regarding the legality of their APT rules. A private two-week hearing recently took place, and the details of the case were only revealed after being leaked to The Times a few weeks ago. Without this leak, the hearing would have remained unknown. It is unclear which specific elements City are questioning, but the implementation of stricter regulations in February 2024 implies that they have been challenged. Additionally, Man City and Pep Guardiola are taking a big risk with a transfer decision. ‘I comprehend’ – Manchester United’s owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe delves into Manchester City’s legal action against the Premier League. “In the most recent APT guidelines that City have raised concerns about, there are guidelines stating that a director of the sponsoring company must confirm that the sponsorship is priced at fair market value.” “It is rare for a counter party to be asked to make that declaration,” said Stefan Borson, a football finance expert, on the We’re Not Really Here podcast. “While the club is also required to make the declaration, they are pushing for the other party to do so as well, which City believes is going too far.” This is the perspective you should adopt. The city first showed dissatisfaction with the rules on APT in 2021 and suggested they may be open to challenge in the future. In February 2024, the city reiterated that they believed the rules were excessive and warned that they would contest them if implemented.
