Following the approval of new rules that restrict Premier League teams from purchasing players or entering sponsorship agreements with parties linked to their ownership, the league may potentially face a legal challenge from one of its own clubs. At a league meeting, clubs were informed of the legal risks associated with implementing these rules before ultimately approving an amendment to the regulations governing associated party transactions (APTs). While the club considering legal arbitration has not been publicly disclosed, it is believed to be Manchester City, the reigning champions. This potential legal battle comes at a time when the league is already involved in high-profile cases against Everton, Nottingham Forest, and Manchester City, related to various alleged breaches. On one hand, the league must manage the majority of clubs' desire to crack down on the utilization of associated parties, but on the other hand, a new legal dispute would not be welcomed.
League officials view the new rules as a means to provide clarity in assessing APTs, requiring clubs to demonstrate that any deals made with clubs or businesses under the same ownership align with fair market value. Critics argue that the rule changes were implemented to make it more challenging to conduct such transactions. Similar changes were previously rejected in a vote held in November, but these proposals were adjusted before the recent vote, including the removal of personal liability for directors involved in these transactions.
In a statement, the league expressed that the clubs agreed to a series of amendments aimed at enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of the system following a thorough review of the existing rules governing associated party transactions and protocols for fair market value assessment. Manchester City has been approached for comment regarding the potential legal challenge.
During the latest Premier League shareholder gathering, which spanned two days, clubs and officials sought to address several issues. Among the topics discussed was the ongoing lack of an agreement on financial redistribution to the English Football League (EFL). The league announced that it has established a new timeline for finalizing an offer to the Football League after the process had stalled prior to Christmas. Additionally, a group of Premier League clubs invited several EFL teams to a private meeting this week to discuss these matters.
In other developments, the Premier League is exploring the possibility of organizing a pre-season summer series tour in the United States in 2025. Furthermore, the clubs have agreed to sign an "environmental sustainability commitment," which initially aims to calculate the collective carbon footprint of the league.