Premier League clubs are seeking clarity over the recent Associated Party Transactions (APT) settlement with Manchester City, amid ongoing questions about the rules that govern commercial deals in English football. The league has confirmed that City accepted the regulations as “valid and binding” and agreed to terminate legal proceedings, but many clubs remain uncertain about the settlement’s details.
APT rules, introduced in December 2021, prevent clubs from profiting from commercial deals with companies linked to their owners at values exceeding “fair market value”. City challenged the regulations in court, arguing they were unlawful, prompting arbitration and amendments to the rules. While the settlement resolves the dispute, rival clubs have yet to receive details about any assurances or concessions granted to City.
Sources indicate that concerns persist over City’s ability to finalise a lucrative new sponsorship deal with airline Etihad Airways, one of two Abu Dhabi-linked deals blocked in 2023. The Premier League insists all deals will continue to undergo fair market value assessments and that clubs with state connections, such as City and Newcastle United, will not receive preferential treatment.
League executives, including CEO Richard Masters and Chair Alison Brittain, have offered to speak with clubs seeking guidance, though officials emphasise that much of the settlement remains confidential. Legal experts suggest the compromise is unlikely to create a “winner or loser” scenario but may allow City to pursue high-value sponsorship agreements previously restricted under APT regulations.
The resolution comes amid broader scrutiny of City’s financial practices, including the ongoing disciplinary case involving 115 alleged breaches of Premier League rules. While City deny wrongdoing, the outcome of the arbitration settlement is expected to reduce legal friction and costs for both the club and the league.
Sports lawyer Richard Cramer commented, “The settlement likely reflects a recognition that protracted legal battles are detrimental to all parties. Manchester City can now move forward on sponsorship deals, but the integrity of the Premier League’s rules remains intact.”
The APT settlement marks a key moment in English football governance, balancing competitive fairness with commercial realities while signalling the league’s intent to manage legal disputes more efficiently.
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