• Loading stock data...
Sunday, September 7, 2025
Fox Analyst and Media Entrepreneur Greg Olsen to Speak at Tuned In Get your ticket now!

Premier League Faces Legal Attack From Most Dominant Club

  • Manchester City will enter an arbitration period with the Premier League over sponsorship rules.
  • The outcome could alter a November hearing that threatens fines and relegation.
Premier League champion banner outside of Manchester City's Etihad Stadium
MCFC

Manchester City is one of the most powerful soccer clubs in the world on and off the pitch, and it’s taking legal action against the Premier League to try to keep it that way.

The Times revealed Tuesday that City will start a two-week arbitration period with the Premier League on June 10 to challenge the associated party transaction rules. They require an independent body to review any sponsorships from companies tied to the club’s owners to ensure deals are made at a fair market rate. APT rules were instituted in 2021 with the Saudi-backed takeover of Newcastle United to ensure the new owners wouldn’t inflate deals that would funnel millions into clubs and give them an unfair advantage.

The legal document argues APT rules have made City a victim of “discrimination” by other clubs seeking to limit its success on the field. The team has won four consecutive Premier League titles. The document also describes the rules, which require two-thirds approval or at least 14 clubs to sign off on a matter, as a “tyranny of the majority.”

Next week’s proceedings could alter a November hearing about financial allegations that threaten large fines and relegation from the top flight. City is up against 115 charges, which it has entirely denied, for breaching financial rules and failing to cooperate in a subsequent investigation. Some of those breaches involve sponsorship deals linked to City’s owners in Abu Dhabi, and should the club successfully argue its case this month, it will be much harder for the league to win its offensive in the fall.

City filed its claim Feb. 16, and the Premier League alerted all clubs of the situation March 1, inviting them to participate. According to The Times, at least one club submitted a witness statement supporting City, but between 10 and 12 clubs provided a witness statement or letter with evidence for the Premier League’s side. Other teams support the league’s argument because they don’t want City to have unchecked power to pay players whatever they want and void financial rules designed to ensure a fair playing field.

The Premier League is spending more than £20 million, or roughly $25.5 million, on legal fees for the case, which were about one-quarter of that size a year ago, The Times reported, and has had to spend more time dealing with this claim instead of preparing for November’s hearing.

The Premier League faced another legal battle in March from Leicester City, who also took action against the English Football League, after the relegated club was also accused of financial breaches. But the midsize Leicester City is a much less intimidating opponent than Manchester City, valued at roughly $5 billion.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Aug 22, 2025; Bridgeview, Illinois, USA; Chicago Stars FC forward Jameese Joseph (8) passes the ball during the first half of a match against the North Carolina Courage at SeatGeek Stadium.

Chicago Stars FC Move to Evanston After 12 Years in Bridgeview

Stadium plans beyond the 2026 season aren’t solidified. 

Barcelona, AC Milan Abroad? Fan Groups Reject Travel Plans

Supporter groups warn of a “Pandora’s box” if overseas games happen.

Liverpool’s $598M Transfer Spree: End of the Title Race Already?

A deal for Swedish striker Alexander Isak highlights a record outlay.

Gareth Bale: MLS Quality Hurt By Low Salaries

Bale said MLS salaries aren’t competitive enough to lure stars from Europe.

Featured Today

Aug 23, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) leads the team onto the field for warm ups before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium.

Slow Burn: The NFL’s Private-Equity Era So Far

Three deals have been struck to date. But the league is bullish.
Tennis
September 5, 2025

The US Open Is Groaning Under the Weight of Its Own Success

New York’s tennis major is more popular than ever.
Dec 21, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) gets ready to take the field prior to a game against the Houston Texans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
September 5, 2025

How Brazil Game Fits Into NFL’s Plans for World Domination

Friday night’s Chiefs-Chargers game in São Paulo is big by design.
Oct 13, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) and wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) celebrate their touchdown pass during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Lincoln Financial Field.
September 2, 2025

TV Ratings Just Changed Again. The NFL Will Be the Big Winner

Nielsen’s new viewership system will have a big impact on sports.
Jul 14, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Valkyries fans acknowledge local basketball alumni during a time out against the Phoenix Mercury during the second quarter at Chase Center.

Valkyries Set WNBA Attendance Record in Inaugural Season

The Valkyries joined the WNBA as an expansion team this season.
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) reacts on the field after the coin toss prior to the Chiefs' game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome.
September 4, 2025

Chiefs Enter Brazil Game With Eye on Becoming ‘World’s Team’

The Chiefs are playing in a record fourth foreign country.
Mar 28, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer leaves his court side seat after a game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center.
September 5, 2025

‘They Conned Me’: Ballmer Responds to Kawhi Leonard Allegations

Ballmer spoke on “SportsCenter” about the allegations he broke NBA rules.
Sponsored

Trailblazer Cal Calamia Is Racing for ‘Advocacy, Storytelling, and Performance’

The marathoner wants excellence—not just inclusion—to be the goal for non-binary athletes.
September 4, 2025

State of Connecticut Submits Bid for Minority Ownership of Sun 

The bid would value the Connecticut Sun above $250 million.
September 4, 2025

Torre: Key Phrases Missing in Clippers’ Pushback on Kawhi Deal

The NBA said it’s investigating the report involving the Clippers.
September 3, 2025

Clippers Push Back on Kawhi Leonard Report, Call It ‘Provably False’

Clippers owner Steve Ballmer is the richest owner in the NBA.
September 2, 2025

F1’s McLaren Valued at More Than $5B After Recent Stake Sale

MSP Capital purchased its stake in McLaren in 2020.