Premier League: agreement with Manchester City regarding Associated Party Transaction rules

The Premier League and Manchester City FC "have reached a settlement in relation to the arbitration commenced by the club earlier this year concerning the Premier League's Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules," announced the two parties on 08/09/2025.

"As a result the parties have agreed to terminate the proceedings. As part of the settlement, Manchester City accepts that the current APT rules are valid and binding."

Following an initial appeal lodged in 2024, Manchester City submitted a second appeal in January 2025 concerning the Premier League's new APT rules. "The tribunal states that whether its decision has any benefit to the club, therefore, depends on whether the new APT rules are found to be lawful," said the English League at the time.

The 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 and November 2024 (see below). In particular, they aim to control the value of sponsorship deals entered into by clubs with…