Premier League clubs ‘concerned by reports’ around blockbuster Manchester City sponsorship breakthrough | OneFootball

Manchester City’s pathway to securing a blockbuster new sponsorship agreement with Etihad Airways is causing some concern among Premier League clubs.

The ongoing saga over Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules has already created deep divisions within English football. The rules, introduced in 2021 after the Saudi-backed takeover of Newcastle United, were designed to prevent inflated sponsorships linked to club owners from distorting the market.

Manchester City mounted a successful legal challenge against aspects of the framework last year, with a tribunal ruling that certain amendments were in breach of competition law. That victory paved the way for City to reopen talks with Etihad Airways, their long-term sponsor whose last agreement with the club was signed back in 2011.

Reports have since suggested the next deal could represent a “significant uplift” on the previous £400 million package, especially now that barriers imposed by the Premier League in 2023 have been removed.

As we reported earlier this week, City and the Premier League reached a settlement to bring their lengthy dispute over APT rules to an end, sparing both sides further costly legal battles. However, while the resolution brought relief to some, it has left other clubs demanding greater transparency from the league.

According to the information of BBC Sport’s Dan Roan, Premier League clubs now want more clarity about the settlement of the legal dispute with Manchester City over Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules.

It is claimed that clubs have not been told any details about the settlement, nor what it means, while some have suggested the league would be asked to clarify what – if any – assurances or concessions Manchester City have been granted at its next shareholders meeting this month.

One senior executive at a Premier League club, who wished to remain anonymous, has told BBC Sport, “It’s hard to say anything because we have no idea of the details of the settlement or any implications from it.”

While the report highlights that most clubs are ‘relieved’ rules are no longer in jeopardy, some are ‘concerned by reports’ that Manchester City are now set to complete a ‘lucrative’ new sponsorship deal with Etihad Airways.

If City do confirm a record-breaking commercial deal, it could spark another round of debate over the effectiveness of the APT framework. While the settlement closed one legal chapter, rival executives may press the Premier League to tighten enforcement measures to ensure no club gains an unfair advantage in the commercial market.

At the same time, Manchester City’s ongoing disciplinary case regarding over 100 alleged breaches of financial rules – which the club strongly denies – continues to loom in the background.

The combination of a new Etihad Airways deal and the unresolved charges ensures that the relationship between Manchester City and the Premier League remains a defining storyline in English football’s governance battles.

For supporters at the Etihad Stadium, however, the prospect of fresh investment through sponsorship is likely to be viewed as a major boost, strengthening Pep Guardiola’s side both commercially and competitively ahead of the next phase of their dominance.