The Times have reported that Manchester City are at war with the Premier League. The report suggests that next Monday will be very important in a dispute between the two parties. The war will begin to be resolved next week in a private judicial arbitration two weeks from Monday.
The outcome could drastically change the rules of English football, as it may or may not lead to the dropping of the alleged 115 charges against City over financial regulations and rules set by the Premier League.
Impressive yellow wave of Borussia Dortmund fans on the streets of London for Champions League final
That hearing, which will last more than a month, could lead to massive fines for City’s owners and even an administrative relegation for Pep Guardiola‘s side.
At the hearing, which starts on Monday, City will try to put an end to the so-called APT (Associated Party Transactions) rules, and will seek damages from the Premier League. That law prevents an owner from putting money into a club via unmonitored means.
Rules inplace since December 2021
The APT rules were introduced in December 2021 in the wake of Saudi Arabia’s takeover of Newcastle. That rule is designed to keep the Premier League competitive by preventing clubs from inflating commercial deals with companies linked to their owners.
If City are successful in their petition, and some rival clubs fear they will be, it could allow wealthier clubs to value their sponsorship deals without an independent assessment by the league, which would vastly increase the amount of money they can raise – and ultimately spend on transfers.
The other 19 Premier League clubs have been invited to take part in the legal action, and The Times reports that between 10 and 12 have stepped forward, which means there will be a civil war between City and the rest.
City‘s 115 alleged breaches between 2009 and 2023 relate to alleged sponsorship deals funded by Abu Dhabi-linked companies. City has denied any wrongdoing related to the 115 charges.
