English Woman's Journal - Man City launch legal action against Premier League commercial rules

Weather - London 9°C

Man City launch legal action against Premier League commercial rules - report

SPORTS 04.06.2024

Man City launch legal action against Premier League commercial rules - report / Photo: Anthony Devlin - AFP

Manchester City have launched legal action against the Premier League alleging "discrimination" in a move that could have far-reaching consequences for the English top flight, The Times reported on Tuesday.

Change text size:

The Times said the recently crowned champions would try to end the league's associated party transaction (APT) rules, which they are understood to claim are unlawful, and seek damages.

The Premier League tightened rules regarding APTs, relating to clubs signing sponsorship deals with companies linked to their owners, in February.

The Times added the dispute between City and the Premier League would be settled after a two-week arbitration hearing starting next Monday.

Abu Dhabi-owned City sealed a fourth straight Premier League title last month, underlining their domination of the English game over the past decade.

Their rapid rise has been aided by sponsorship deals with a series of related parties in the Gulf. Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways is both City's stadium and shirt sponsor.

In a separate case City, managed by Pep Guardiola, are facing 115 Premier League charges for alleged breaches of regulations and financial rules between 2009 and 2023 -- charges they strongly deny.

That hearing is reportedly set for November.

APT rules are designed to keep the Premier League competitive, requiring clubs to prove that commercial deals represent fair market value.

The Times report said City, in a 165-page legal document, argue they are victims of "discrimination" and refer to a "tyranny of the majority" aimed at stifling their success on the pitch.

All Premier League rule changes and major broadcast and commercial proposals require the approval of at least two-thirds of those who vote, or 14 of the 20 clubs.

If City are successful in their legal fight, it could enable the richest clubs to value their sponsorship deals without independent assessment, further widening the financial gulf within the English top flight.

The Times said between 10 and 12 clubs had come forward, providing either witness statements or letters detailing evidence, in support of the Premier League's defence against City's claim.

The Times said City are suing the Premier League for damages, referring to losses incurred as a result of the existing rules.

City say the rules were imposed at the instigation of rival clubs reacting to the Saudi takeover of Newcastle, which took place in 2021, with the aim to "safeguard their own commercial advantages", according to the report.

City have accused rival teams of "discrimination against Gulf ownership", citing the comments of one senior club executive, The Times said.

St.Ch.Russell--EWJ

Featured

Paul George Scores 36 as Celtics Defeat Sixers 123-101 to Take East Lead

The Boston Celtics claimed first place in the Eastern Conference on Tuesday night, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 123-101 at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Paul George led all scorers with 36 points in his return to Philadelphia, while a decisive third-quarter run extended Boston's lead and dropped the Sixers to second place.

Mets President David Stearns Expresses Confidence in Marcus Semien's Motivation

New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns has identified Marcus Semien’s self-motivation as the primary factor in his potential recovery from an underwhelming debut season. Speaking at the general managers meetings in Las Vegas, Stearns affirmed that the team remains confident in Semien’s ability to improve, even as they evaluate other infield options for next year.

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.