It is no secret that Manchester City and the Premier League are engaged in a ‘battle’ of sorts. City’s long-awaited hearing over their infamous ‘115 charges’ case began last week. That has been the focus of the attention since the hearing began. But in the background, Manchester City’s legal challenge on the legality of the Premier League’s Associated Party Transaction Rules (APT) has rumbled away. But news is now breaking that Manchester City may have had a victory of sorts in one of their ‘battles with the Premier League.
Mike Keegan has reported for the Daily Mail that Manchester City appear to have scored a victory over the Premier League. Keegan reports that a vote to amend the Premier League’s APT rules has been dropped. Furthermore, Keegan adds that Premier League clubs were due to discuss changes to the APT rules. Keegan further reports that the topic was dropped at the last minute ahead of the meeting in London. Lastly, Keegan reports that this could be interpreted as a sign that Manchester City may have had a victory in their legal claim against the Premier League.
Matt Lawton and Martyn Ziegler have also reported for the Times on Manchester City’s legal case over the Premier League’s APT rules. Lawton and Ziegler’s report is similar to Mike Keegan’s report. Included in the Times piece is that Manchester City have refused to comment on the issue. Furthermore, Lawton and Ziegler add that they have approached the Premier League for comment on the matter. At this time the Premier League is yet to comment on the matter.
It remains to be seen if Manchester City have had a victory over the Premier League.
It must be said that it remains to be seen if Manchester City have had a legal victory over the Premier League. Both new reports have not confirmed this fact. That must be said. Football finance expert Stefan Borson said it best on X. His tweet can be seen below.
Personally, don’t read much into this at this stage but let’s see. No new version of the rules posted on the PL website so no sign of any clauses suspended as of yet https://t.co/nMw30gDWja
— slbsn (@slbsn) September 26, 2024
But if Manchester City have been successful in their legal challenge over the Premier League’s APT rules it does raise a valid question. If those rules are unlawful what does it mean going forward? That’s a question that may be difficult to get a definitive answer to at this time. But if the APT rules are unlawful then you do have to wonder about the Premier League’s deck of cards. Is it set to topple in the near future? That answer will be known in time but the question does need to be asked. While there will likely be a plethora of articles and opinions in the coming days if City have had a legal victory over the Premier League saying ‘football is dead’ there are questions that need to be asked of the Premier League. But until is their is official confirmation over City’s APT case they can wait. Perhaps that day is coming.
Today’s news reports suggest Manchester City may have had a victory over the Premier League. It remains to be seen if that is the case.