The Premier League may face a new legal challenge from one of its own clubs after approving amended rules governing associated party transactions (APTs). The changes, which limit clubs' ability to sign players or strike sponsorship deals with entities linked to their ownership, were passed at a league meeting on Friday. The club considering legal arbitration is understood to be Manchester City, although its identity has not been officially confirmed.
The new rules require clubs to demonstrate that any deal with a related party reflects fair market value. Critics argue the amendments make such transactions more difficult. The league described the changes as clarifications to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of the assessment process. A previous version of the proposals was rejected in November, but adjustments—including removing personal liability for directors involved in such deals—secured approval.
The potential legal action adds to the Premier League's existing caseload, which includes high-profile cases against Everton, Nottingham Forest, and Manchester City over alleged breaches of financial rules. The league must balance the desire of a majority of clubs to tighten regulations with the risk of litigation from those opposing the measures.
During the two-day shareholder meeting, clubs also discussed the stalled financial redistribution deal with the English Football League (EFL). The league announced a new timeline for finalising an offer, and a group of Premier League clubs invited several EFL sides to a private meeting to address the issue. Additionally, the league is exploring a repeat of its pre-season summer series tour in the United States in 2025, and clubs agreed to an environmental sustainability commitment to calculate their collective carbon footprint.
