Manchester City have launched legal action against the Premier League. Picture: Oli SCARFF, AFP
MANCHESTER City have launched legal action against the Premier League, alleging “discrimination” in a move that could have big consequences for the English top flight.
According to The Times 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.
APT rules were created to keep the league competitive and require clubs to prove that their commercial deals represent fair market value.
The Premier League tightened rules regarding APT, relating to clubs signing sponsorship deals with companies linked to their owners, in February.
The Times adds the dispute between City and the league will be settled after a two-week arbitration hearing starting next Monday.
In a separate case, City face 115 charges for alleged breaches of regulations and financial rules between 2009 and 2023 – charges they strongly deny.
That hearing reportedly starts in November.
City, meanwhile, argues in a 165-page legal document that they are victims of “discrimination” and that a “tyranny of the majority” want to stifle their success.
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