Manchester City has landed a major legal victory against the Premier League, as a tribunal deemed the original associated party transaction (APT) rules “void and unenforceable.”
This decision adds further uncertainty to the league’s regulatory framework, which is already under scrutiny.
Notably, the ruling follows an earlier tribunal decision that found three key elements of the APT rules unlawful. Since those aspects could not be separated from the rest, the tribunal declared the entire set of rules invalid. Consequently, clubs that had APT deals rejected under these guidelines might now seek compensation.
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Meanwhile, the Premier League has introduced a revised set of APT regulations. While these rules remain unaffected by the ruling, Manchester City has already challenged them. As a result, the same tribunal will soon determine their legality.
If the new rules are also deemed unenforceable, the Premier League could face a crisis of governance. This would come at a crucial time, with an independent football regulator nearing approval in parliament and City awaiting a verdict on 130 disciplinary charges.
In response, the Premier League remains firm in its stance. It insists that the newly drafted APT rules are legally sound. “The league continues to believe that the new APT rules are valid and enforceable and is pressing for an expeditious resolution of this matter,” it stated.
For now, the new APT rules are in effect, and clubs must comply. This includes submitting shareholder loans for fair market value assessment. However, if the tribunal rules against them, the league’s authority could face an unprecedented challenge.
Tags: Manchester City, legal victory, Premier League, tribunal, associated party transaction, APT rules, #nrtcnewsnigeria, #nrtcnews, #nrtcnigeria, #nrtcsports, #NewsRoundTheClock.
