Manchester City settles dispute with Premier League over Associated Party Transaction Rules

Insight

24.09.2025

Manchester City Football Club's longstanding battle with the Premier League over Associated Party Transaction (APT) Rules has settled.

Background

Following the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s acquisition of Newcastle United in December 2021, the APT Rules were introduced to preserve competitive integrity within the Premier League. The Rules require that any commercial arrangements between clubs and entities connected to their ownership be conducted at fair market value.

A dispute arose in 2023 when Manchester City submitted proposed sponsorship agreements with Etihad Airways and First Abu Dhabi Bank for approval under the APT framework. The Premier League rejected the deals, prompting Manchester City to challenge the legality of the Rules.

In 2024, Manchester City successfully challenged the APT Rules, with an independent tribunal determining that low-interest shareholder loans should be included within the scope of the regulations. The tribunal also held that the amendments introduced to tighten the rules breached competition law.

In response, the Premier League implemented further changes, prompting Manchester City to initiate a fresh arbitration. The club asserted that the revised regulations were "unlawful and void."

The Settlement

On 8 September 2025, the parties reached a settlement, bringing the dispute to a close. As part of the resolution, Manchester City has accepted that the current APT Rules are valid and binding. Both parties have confirmed that no further public statements will be made regarding the matter.

While the settlement resolves the dispute over the APT Rules, it does not affect the separate and ongoing case concerning 115 charges against Manchester City for alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations. Nonetheless, the settlement represents a significant development in the broader legal tensions between the parties.

The outcome may prompt responses from other clubs, particularly in light of the growing prevalence of sponsorship arrangements involving state-linked entities.

Both parties released statements which you can read here:

Premier League: Premier League statement

Manchester City: Club Statement

Many thanks to trainee Jessica Harker for their help in writing this article.

This publication is a general summary of the law. It should not replace legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances.