Manchester City claim the Premier League’s summary of yesterday’s tribunal verdict in the Associated Party Transactions (APT) case is “misleading” and they have written to the other 19 member clubs to “assist with their understanding”.
Both sides were claiming the upper hand last night: City were quick to highlight the fact two aspects of the APT rules were deemed unlawful while the Premier League pointed out the tribunal “endorsed the overall objectives, framework and decision-making of the APT system”.
The Premier League wrote to its members last night to give their opinion on the outcome, but City have challenged that today.
Club statement
— Manchester City (@ManCity) October 7, 2024
In a letter obtained by the BBC, City’s general counsel Simon Cliff wrote to the other Premier League clubs claiming all the APT rules are unlawful and have been since 2021.
The letter read: “I refer to the PL’s summary below of the tribunal’s award. Regrettably, the summary is misleading and contains several inaccuracies. To assist member clubs with their understanding of the Award, I have provided clarifications in this email.
“Of even greater concern, however, is the PL’s suggestion that new APT rules should be passed within the next 10 days.
“When the PL consulted on and proposed the original APT Rules in late 2021, we pointed out that the process (which took several weeks) was rushed, ill-thought-out and would result in rules that were anti-competitive. The recent award has validated those concerns entirely.”
It is expected City will pursue damages for the two aspects deemed unlawful, but the four-time defending champions have said there will be no “knee-jerk” moves.
Cliff added: “Given the findings in the award, this is the time for careful reflection and consideration by all clubs, and not for a knee-jerk reaction. Such an unwise course would be likely to lead to further legal proceedings with further legal costs. It is critical for member clubs to feel that they can have trust in their regulator.”
