New Delhi: The Premier League clubs voted on Friday to implement significant changes to the Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules, despite opposition from Manchester City, Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest, and Aston Villa. In a decisive meeting held in London, the proposals were approved with 16 clubs voting in favor and four against, in a meeting that required only 30 minutes to reach the decision.
For the league to make any changes to it’s rules, a minimum of 14 clubs should vote in favour of the outcome. This decision marks a major moment in the Premier League’s efforts to regulate commercial and sponsorship deals, particularly those involving entities linked to club owners. It also highlights growing tensions among the league’s members regarding financial governance and competitive fairness with clubs being divided into two different sects.
NEW | APT rule changes voted through by 16 clubs to 4 at start of Premier League meeting, despite opposition & threat of further legal action by Man City.
PL statement ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/cOHkgraXPN
— Dan Roan (@danroan) November 22, 2024
The APT rules aim to ensure that clubs do not benefit from inflated sponsorship or commercial deals with associated parties — entities connected to their owners — unless those deals align with fair market value. The Premier League argued that these regulations are critical to maintaining a level playing field and preventing unfair financial advantages. The changes approved on Friday integrate shareholder loans into the APT framework and remove specific amendments made to the rules earlier this year.
The Premier League clarified that these steps were taken in response to an independent tribunal’s ruling earlier this year, which had found certain aspects of the previous rules unlawful. Clubs such as Chelsea and Manchester United publicly urged others to back the changes during the meeting, emphasizing the importance of preserving financial fairness and competitive integrity.
For City, Newcastle, Forest, and Villa, all of whom voted against the changes, this outcome is a significant setback. Both Manchester City and Aston Villa had written to rival clubs ahead of the vote, arguing for a delay until the tribunal issued further guidance. Their stance suggested that the amendments are not only premature but potentially unlawful.
What do these changes mean for the Premier League?
Friday’s vote is seen as a major relief for the Premier League, which has been grappling with how to enforce financial rules in a way that upholds competitive balance. Had the amendments been vetoed, there were concerns that clubs with state-backed or ownership-linked sponsorships, such as Manchester City and Newcastle United, might have been given leeway to secure increasingly lucrative deals.
However, this decision risks deepening divisions within the league. Manchester City, already embroiled in 115 charges of alleged financial rule breaches, may now pursue further legal action, as they have previously threatened. Such litigation could escalate the league’s legal costs and intensify the ongoing power struggle between its members.
The passing of these amendments underscores the Premier League’s resolve to regulate financial practices but also highlights growing discord within an organization once noted for its unity. With tensions high and legal challenges looming, the battle over financial governance in English football is far from over.
Premier League APT Rules Change | The vote was heavily in favour of the decision despite opposition from big clubs like Manchester City, Aston Villa and Newcastle United. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
