da bet nacional： Manchester City have reportedly garnered support from three English top-flight clubs in their legal battle against the Premier League.
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Man City battle against APT rulesReceive support from three clubsJudgement might be announced soonWHAT HAPPENED?
According to Chelsea, Aston Villa, and Newcastle have sided with City in their battle against the Premier League's Associated Party Transactions (APT) rules. These regulations, introduced post the Saudi-led takeover of Newcastle in November 2021, are designed to prevent clubs from inflating sponsorship deals through related entities, thereby maintaining financial fair play within the league. Central to City's legal argument is the claim of discrimination. City asserts that the APT rules amount to a "tyranny of the majority," disproportionately targeting clubs with owners from the Middle East. They argue that these rules are not only restrictive but also unfairly prejudiced, designed to curb the influence and investment capabilities of Middle Eastern stakeholders.
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Chelsea have been vocal about the need for greater transparency regarding APT rules. The club have an existing deal with Infinite Athlete, a company partially owned by Chelsea's joint owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali. Chelsea's statement criticises the current APT framework for its lack of clarity, especially concerning multi-club ownership. They argue that the rules need to be more explicit about what constitutes an acceptable transaction to avoid disputes over inflated sponsorship deals in the future.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa's co-owner, Egyptian billionaire Nassef Sawiris, allegedly shares a close rapport with City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak. This relationship has seen Villa aligning with City's frustrations over the imposed spending limits. Sawiris, alongside Mubarak, contends that the current financial regulations stifle investment and growth potential, which is crucial for competing at the highest level.
DID YOU KNOW?
Newcastle, owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, have remained somewhat reticent in public votes concerning the APT rules. Nevertheless, the Magpies' abstention in recent votes hints at their tacit support for City's cause. The Magpies already benefit from a lucrative shirt sponsorship deal with Saudi events management firm Sela. A favourable outcome for City in this legal battle would likely set a precedent that could benefit Newcastle's financial strategies as well.
However, 10 to 12 clubs have sided with the Premier League's existing rules, including heavyweights like Manchester United, Arsenal, Fulham, Wolves, Brighton, and Tottenham. These clubs have submitted various forms of support, ranging from witness statements to letters, defending the APT regulations. They fear that a victory for City could undermine the financial integrity and competitive balance of the league.
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The outcome of this legal battle holds significant ramifications for the Premier League's financial landscape. Should City prevail, it could lead to a major overhaul of the APT regulations, potentially opening the floodgates for increased investment from related entities. This, in turn, could alter the competitive dynamics of the league, enabling clubs with wealthy owners to gain an upper hand through enhanced financial muscle.