For over a year, Manchester City has been locked in a legal battle with the Premier League over the Associated Party Transaction Rules (APTs).
These rules were designed to stop clubs—particularly those backed by nation states or mega-rich ownership groups—from inflating their revenues through inflated sponsorships with “friendly” companies linked to their owners.
In simple terms, if your owner also owns a company that sponsors your shirt, the Premier League wants to make sure the sponsorship value matches the real market value, not just an inflated figure to dodge financial restrictions.
City weren’t happy. They argued that the APT rules were “anti-competitive and unlawful.”
The fight escalated when one of their biggest sponsorships—Etihad Airways, the stadium and shirt sponsor—was deemed not to be of fair market value in 2023.
But the fire seems to have settled down now.
Manchester City and Premier League Release Joint Statement
After months of arbitration and tribunals, the conflict is over—at least for now.
Club statement
— Manchester City (@ManCity) September 8, 2025
In a joint statement, both parties confirmed:
“The Premier League and Manchester City FC have reached a settlement in relation to the arbitration commenced by the club earlier this year concerning the Premier League’s Associated Party Transaction (APT) Rules, and as a result, the parties have agreed to terminate the proceedings.
This settlement brings an end to the dispute between the parties regarding the APT Rules. As part of the settlement, Manchester City accepts that the current APT Rules are valid and binding.”
Translation?
- No more courtrooms.
- City accepts the updated rules.
- Both sides walk away without further public drama.
The Drama That Got Us Here
This wasn’t just a small disagreement.
- In 2023, City’s Etihad sponsorship extension faced pushback for not meeting “fair market value.”
- An independent tribunal then found three aspects of the old APT rules unlawful.
- Instead of scrapping the rules, the Premier League tweaked them.
- City pushed back again, setting up another tribunal showdown in October 2024.
That tribunal won’t happen now—the settlement kills the case.
For City, this clears the path for their next mega-deal with Etihad. Their original 2011 deal was worth £400m over 10 years. Any extension in 2025 is expected to blow past that figure. Ka-ching!
Why This Matters Beyond Manchester City
This fight wasn’t just about one club.
Clubs like Newcastle United, owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), have also expressed frustration with the APT framework.
Their ability to strike sponsorships with companies linked to their ownership group faces the same restrictions that the City has been fighting.
So, the outcome here sets a precedent. The Premier League has kept its rules in place but made concessions along the way. City, meanwhile, has ensured that they can still work with Etihad and potentially push the market higher for what “fair value” really means.
The Elephant in the Room: 115 Charges
Important note: This settlement does not affect the much bigger storm hanging over Manchester City—those 115 alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules, which have since reportedly risen to 130.
That’s a separate legal battle. One case is closed. The other? Still looming large.
FAQs:
Q: What are the Associated Party Transaction (APT) Rules?
They’re regulations to ensure clubs can’t inflate commercial revenues by signing sponsorship deals with companies linked to their owners at above-market value.
Q: Why did Manchester City challenge the rules?
City argued the rules were “anti-competitive,” claiming they unfairly restricted their ability to secure commercial deals.
Q: Did City win or lose?
It’s a mixed bag. City got the rules partially revised after the tribunal found flaws, but in the end, they accepted the Premier League’s revised version as binding.
Does this mean City are free from financial trouble?
Not at all. This APT dispute is separate from the 115+ financial charges still hanging over the club.
Conclusion
So, what’s the verdict?
Manchester City and the Premier League have called off the war over sponsorship rules. City accept the rules, the league keeps control, and the courtroom drama fades—at least for now.
Let’s be honest—we all kind of saw this coming. When it comes to battles between a mega-club like City and the Premier League, settlements and “mutual agreements” always feel more likely than a full-scale war.
And honestly, I wouldn’t be shocked if the same script plays out when it comes to those 115 charges still hanging over City.
Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow—but don’t be surprised if it ends with another handshake rather than a hammer.
At the end of the day, this wasn’t about who “won” or “lost.” It was about both sides protecting their interests and moving on. For City, that means unlocking the next mega-deal with Etihad.
For the Premier League, it’s keeping the rules intact without risking an embarrassing defeat in court.
So at the end it’s a win-win.
