Premier League: new "associated party transactions" rules approved

Premier League clubs have approved changes to the Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules, announced the English League on 22/11/2024.

"The amendments to the rules address the findings of an Arbitration Tribunal following a legal challenge by Manchester City FC to the APT system earlier this year," said the Premier League. These rules were first introduced in December 2021, two months after the acquisition of Newcastle United FC by a group of investors led by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF), and then amended in March 2024. In particular, they aim to control the value of sponsorship agreements signed by clubs with partner companies or subsidiaries of their owners, such as those signed by Manchester City with Emirati companies like Etihad Airways (airline), Etisalat (telecoms), Visit Abu Dhabi (tourism) and First Abu Dhabi Bank.

"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…