Three rivals back Man City as champions lose Premier League fight to block new rules

Premier League clubs have voted in favour of amendments to sponsorship rules in a huge blow to Manchester City.

In London this morning, a ballot was held on changes to regulations on associated party transactions (APTs), after City were successful in arguing their case to an independent tribunal that the initial rules were unlawful.

Ahead of the vote, the champions wrote to all 19 rival clubs urging them to vote against the new proposals, arguing they had been rushed through while threatening further legal action if they were approved.

Following the letter, Aston Villa backed City and called for support in asking for today’s vote to be delayed.

However, according to the Mail, City and Villa were just two of four club to oppose the amendments. The other two were said to be Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest,with the remaining 16 voting in favour.

A Premier League spokesperson was quoted as saying: “At a Premier League Shareholders’ meeting today, clubs approved changes to the League’s Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules.

Arguing that thorough research had been undertaken before drawing up the propsoals, they continued: “The Premier League has conducted a detailed consultation with clubs, informed by multiple opinions from expert, independent Leading Counsel, to draft rule changes that address amendments required to the system.

“This relates to integrating the assessment of shareholder loans, the removal of some of the amendments made to APT rules earlier this year and changes to the process by which relevant information from the League’s ‘databank’ is shared with a club’s advisors.”

The latest chapter in City’s bitter dispute with the Premier League comes as the club awaits the outcome of a separate case into their alleged 115 breaches of Financial Fair Play.

An outcome from that is not expected until 2025, with the club facing the possibility of huge fines and points deductions.

Prior to the vote, the premier League had contacted City to strongly refute allegations their proposals were inadequate. And their spokesman also argued the amended regulations would ensure England’s top-flight remained competitive.

“The purpose of the APT rules is to ensure clubs are not able to benefit from commercial deals or reductions in costs that are not at Fair Market Value (FMV) by virtue of relationships with Associated Parties,” they added.

“These rules were introduced to provide a robust mechanism to safeguard the financial stability, integrity and competitive balance of the League.”

But league bosses will now face an anxious wait to see if City follow through with their threat of further legal action. The club are yet to publicly comment on the outcome of today’s ballot.