APT verdict imminent as Guardiola’s side slam ‘unfair’ PL ruling amid ‘rival club’ dispute

A verdict in Manchester City’s APT case is reportedly “expected soon”, with the club claiming to have been treated “unfairly” by the Premier League.

In early 2023, it became apparent that Manchester City have been charged by the Premier League after being accused of breaching more than 100 Financial Fair Play rules. The move follows a four-year investigation into their conduct between 2009 and 2018.

This case has already dragged on for too long, but it has recently become even more complicated because Manchester City has launched an unprecedented legal battle against the Premier League as they campaign for the removal of the rules on associated party transactions (APTs).

The city’s APT case was recently heard, while the FFP hearing is expected to begin later this year.

If they win the first trial, many of the FFP charges would be moot and the severity of potential sanctions would be reduced. But if the verdict is unfavourable, possible sanctions include a huge fine, a points deduction, a transfer ban or expulsion from the Premier League.

Earlier this month, it was claimed by Former Everton and Aston Villa CEO Keith Wyness says a ‘deal could be done’ between Manchester City and the Premier League to end their disputebut it remains to be seen whether this will be the case.

READ: Manchester City stars reassigned after FFP ‘expulsion’: Foden to Chelsea as CB secures ‘dream’ Liverpool move

According to a report by The GuardianManchester City do not have a good relationship with the Premier League, as the directors believe that “the analysis of their commercial revenues is unfair” because “the company that examines their contracts works for rival clubs”. The report explains this.

Manchester City claim the Premier League treated them unfairly in assessing their commercial revenue by relying on analysis from a data company that also works for their rivals.

“The Guardian has learned that the league’s review of the fair market value of City’s deals was undertaken by Nielsen Sports, a global data and media ratings company which has contracts with several top clubs.

“City are understood to have raised the Premier League’s use of Nielsen in its legal battle over associated party transactions (APTs), in which clubs enter into sponsorship or revenue deals with companies linked to their owners, which was heard behind closed doors last month. A decision on the landmark case is expected soon, although it is unclear when it will be made public.”

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