Manchester City and Premier League Reach Settlement Over APT Rules Dispute

Manchester City and the Premier League have reached a settlement over the APT Rules dispute, ending arbitration and confirming the rules as valid.

Afrireport Posted on 3 days ago 2 min read

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Manchester City Football Club has officially confirmed that it has reached a settlement with the Premier League regarding the arbitration case it initiated earlier this year over the Associated Party Transaction (APT) Rules.

Joint Statement.

In a joint statement released today, both parties announced that the arbitration proceedings have been terminated following an agreement. The settlement brings an end to what had become a closely watched dispute within English football.

According to the statement, Manchester City has accepted that the current APT Rules are valid and binding, a significant development given the ongoing scrutiny over financial regulations in the Premier League.

The club, which had challenged aspects of the rules earlier in the year, will now adhere to the framework governing commercial partnerships and sponsorship deals involving related parties.

The Premier League introduced APT Rules to ensure transparency and fairness in financial dealings, preventing clubs from inflating sponsorship values with companies tied to their ownership.

Manchester City’s case had sparked debate about whether such regulations restricted commercial freedom or ensured competitive balance.

The official statement read:

The Premier League and Manchester City FC have reached a settlement in relation to the arbitration commenced by the club earlier this year concerning the Premier League’s Associated Party Transaction (APT) Rules and as a result the parties have agreed to terminate the proceedings. This settlement brings an end to the dispute between the parties regarding the APT Rules. As part of the settlement, Manchester City accepts that the current APT Rules are valid and binding. It has been agreed that neither the Premier League nor the club will be making any further comment about the matter.”

This resolution marks a significant moment in the ongoing relationship between Manchester City and the Premier League, closing a chapter in a legal battle that had attracted widespread attention across the football world.