Man City sue Premier League over 'discrimination' and date set for unprecedented hearing

Manchester City have reportedly accused the Premier League of ‘discrimination against Gulf ownership’ in relation to ‘success-stifling’ rules approved by their rivals.

The Premier League champions are campaigning for the removal of the Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules, as per The Times.

City claim the rules – which were introduced following the Saudi-led takeover of Newcastle United – are unlawful and were approved by rival clubs in an attempt to stifle their success.

It’s argued the rules are designed to stop clubs from inflating commercial deals with companies that boast links to their owners.

Instead, sponsorships have to be independently assessed and will only be approved if they’re considered ‘fair market value’ (FMV).

As such, the Manchester-based outfit will seek damages from the Premier League at a hearing set to take place next week.

And if they’re successful with their claim – which the report states some clubs are fear they will be – it would allow the Blues to boost the amount of money they can raise via commercial deals.

In turn, that will give the club more scope to spend big on players, at a time when teams elsewhere are struggling to operate under strict Profit and Sustainability Rules.

The other 19 clubs in the division have reportedly been invited to participate in the legal action, with up to 12 having stepped forward.

However, the city remains keen on getting rid of the FMV rules, as they imply they’re designed to discriminate against clubs with ties to the Gulf region because of their swift introduction following Newcastle’s 2021 takeover.

What’s more, City have also put forward the case that they’ve been stopped from monetising their brand in the same way rivals Manchester United could.

It comes amid a separate battle between City and the Premier League relating to the 115 alleged breaches of financial rules between 2009 and 2023.

However, if City can prove rules around FMV are in fact unlawful, it’s claimed that could strengthen the club’s position come the 115 hearing later this year. City deny all wrongdoing in relation to the charges levelled against them.