Man City make huge Newcastle United rules claim after rivals left Amanda Staveley turning the air blue
Manchester City has accused rival clubs of ‘protecting their commercial interests‘ following the introduction of new rules on sponsorship deals after Newcastle United’s takeover.
Today, Manchester City’s arbitration hearing with the Premier League begins behind closed doors. The champions are challenging the legitimacy of the top-flight’s associated party transaction (APT) regulations.
Introduced in 2021, these rules mandate that all commercial deals with companies linked to club owners undergo independent assessment to confirm their fair market value.
Manchester City, as reported by the Times, have submitted a 165-page legal document alleging ‘discrimination against Gulf ownership’ by rival clubs.
The club, which also denies 115 alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations, claims that the APT regulations were implemented post-Newcastle takeover to ‘protect their commercial advantages’.
Eighteen of Newcastle’s Premier League rivals voted for the rules, which left Newcastle part-owner Amanda Staveley frustrated.
She suggested that clubs are doing ‘everything they can to limit the number of teams competing for Champions League spots’.
Staveley commented in ‘We are Newcastle United’, “Because of PIF’s wealth, there was significant resistance from other clubs. They feared we would gain an unfair advantage.”
Premier League officials have insisted, unofficially, that the APT rules were not specifically targeted at Newcastle.
They claim these regulations had been planned for a while, but their mid-season implementation was notable given concerns that Newcastle might secure lucrative sponsorship deals while battling relegation.
The rules have been further tightened to ‘enhance the system’s efficiency and accuracy’, prompting Manchester City’s legal response.
The ongoing arbitration hearing and the legal battle between Manchester City and the Premier League highlight the complexities and competitive nature of top-flight football. As the proceedings continue, the outcome will likely have significant implications for how commercial deals and club ownership are regulated in the future.
Read Also: Palmer & Gordon video gives insight into Newcastle United’s summer signing – deal agreed
Read Also: Newcastle quoted €25m for OGC Nice star after enquiry in recent days – Report
Read Also: NUFC News: Eddie Howe battles over six selection dilemmas ahead of crucial Brighton game
