City and Premier League Resolve Prolonged APT Rules Dispute

Manchester City and the Premier League have formally ended their months-long legal dispute concerning the league’s Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules, which regulate commercial and sponsorship deals between clubs and companies linked to their owners.


As part of the settlement, Manchester City has accepted that the revised APT rules are “valid and binding.” Hence, both parties have agreed to terminate all ongoing legal proceedings with no further commentary.


This resolution allows City to proceed with a lucrative new sponsorship deal with Etihad Airways, previously blocked under the old rules. Although, the deal will still be subject to the fair market value assessment laid out in the current regulations.


The settlement reassures rival clubs anxious about regulatory upheaval, as the APT rules remain intact and enforceable. However, concerns linger over the possibility that state-backed clubs, including Manchester City and Newcastle United, may now easily negotiate “market-busting” deals, potentially widening existing commercial disparities across the league.

This settlement is wholly separate from the extensive investigation Manchester City continues to face over alleged financial breaches.

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