Manchester City and Premier League reach ‘settlement’ in dispute over associated party transaction rules | OneFootball

Manchester City say they will no longer challenge the Premier League over their associated party transaction (APT) rules.

This is a separate issue to the charges against Manchester City by the Premier League, which allege that City breached their financial rules.

The APT rules regulate sponsorship deals which clubs sign with other companies linked to their owners.

City had argued that some of the rules were unlawful and anti-competitive, and an independent panel last year agreed with City on some aspects.

But City had kept up their challenge, arguing that the updated rules by the Premier League were still unlawful.

Now, however, they say they will not be pursuing the issue any further.

“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,” Man City said in a statement.

“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.

“It has been agreed that neither the Premier League nor the club will be making any further comment about the matter.”