Man City and Premier League Settle Dispute Over Associated Party Transaction Rules

Manchester City and the Premier League have reached a settlement in their legal dispute over the league’s Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules, avoiding a trial that had been scheduled for October.

The case, which began in January when City launched arbitration proceedings, centered on regulations designed to ensure commercial deals between clubs and companies linked to their ownership are conducted at fair market value. City had challenged aspects of the rules, including how shareholder loans were treated under the framework.

In a joint statement released on Friday, both parties confirmed that the matter had been resolved and that proceedings had been terminated. As part of the agreement, City accepted that the current APT rules are “valid and binding.” Both the club and the league said they would not comment further.

The APT case was separate from the far more significant legal battle City continues to face. In February 2023, the club was charged with 115 alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations. Those charges, which City strongly deny, were examined during an independent commission hearing held between September and December last year.

A ruling on that case has not yet been announced, leaving uncertainty over one of the most high-profile disciplinary processes in English football history.