Manchester City Football Club has launched fresh legal action against the Premier League, reigniting their ongoing dispute over the league’s financial regulations. The reigning champions are challenging the Premier League’s recently amended rules on associated party transactions (APT) for a second time, arguing that the changes made in November 2024 are unlawful and void.
City’s Legal Challenge Escalates
In a letter sent to Premier League clubs on Thursday, chief executive Richard Masters confirmed that Manchester City began a new arbitration on January 20th, 2025 to contest the legitimacy of the updated APT rules. This move comes after City’s initial challenge found aspects of the original APT regulations to be unlawful, prompting the league to make amendments that were approved by clubs in a November vote.
However, City, along with Aston Villa, Newcastle United, and Nottingham Forest, voted against the revised rules, while Chelsea abstained. Aston Villa had cautioned that passing the amendments would likely result in further litigation from City and unnecessary legal expenses for the league.
Premier League Defends Amended Rules
The Premier League maintains its stance that the November amendments were lawful and fully compliant with competition law requirements. The league aims to resolve this new arbitration swiftly, appointing the same tribunal to hear the case. In the meantime, Masters emphasized that the current APT rules remain in full effect, and clubs are obligated to adhere to all aspects of the system.
Guardiola Responds to Transfer Speculation
During a press conference, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola addressed speculation that the club’s £172 million January transfer spend on four players was an attempt to mitigate against potential sanctions stemming from the Premier League’s 130 charges of alleged financial breaches. Guardiola denied these claims, asserting that City’s net spend over the past five years places them behind their top six rivals, despite their on-field success.
The only reason why is because we sold a lot in the last seasons but even with that I know this club, it is always ‘just about the money’.
– Pep Guardiola
The Spaniard also provided an update on midfielder Rodri’s recovery from a serious knee injury, revealing that while the player is not expected to feature again this season, he has been included in the club’s Champions League squad in case he makes an early return.
Ongoing Disputes and Implications
As Manchester City awaits the verdict on the Premier League’s charges, expected in the spring, this new legal challenge adds another layer of complexity to an already tense situation. The outcome of these disputes could have significant implications for the club’s future, as well as the Premier League’s ability to enforce its financial regulations and maintain a level playing field among its members.
The football world will be closely monitoring developments in this high-stakes legal battle, as two of England’s most powerful entities clash over the governance of the sport’s financial landscape. With both sides unwavering in their positions, a resolution may prove difficult to achieve without substantial compromise or intervention.
