How Arsenal are feeling after Manchester City win legal battle against Premier League - journalist
Today at 11:30 AM
Manchester City have won their legal battle in regards to associated party transaction (APT) rules – with Arsenal and Liverpool acting as witnesses in favour of the Premier League.
For those unaware, an APT means commercial deals involving clubs and companies to which they have close ties to, in other words, an agreement between two outfits who shares the same interests, so in this instance, a transfer or sponsorship deal between Manchester City and Girona – for example – two sides who sit alongside each other under the City Football Group umbrella.
Newcastle and Saudi Pro League clubs owned by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia are another example of associated parties.
Manchester City argued that the Premier League’s APT rules were unlawful – a case the Citizens have now won – with Chelsea, Newcastle and Everton acting as witnesses on behalf of Manchester City.
The case is separate to the 115 charges Manchester City face under Premier League rules – and is solely in regards to commercial agreements between associated parties.
Having unsuccessfully acted as witnesses to the Premier League in this argument, let’s see what Arsenal and Liverpool think of the verdict.
Arsenal and Liverpool disappointed by Manchester City legal win against the Premier League
Ben Jacobs has now claimed that the Gunners and the Reds feel “disappointed” by the outcome – as do West Ham and Bournemouth.
Why has this upset the quartet, you may ask?
As a result of this ruling, the Premier League are now expected to factor shareholder loans into the Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) – which will affect those who lean heavily on borrowing money from shareholders to stay out of PSR trouble.
Manchester City could still be punished by the Premier League
Pep Guardiola’s side have won this battle, but not the war just yet.
As aforesaid, this specific case is separate to the 115 charges Manchester City face for alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules, to which the Evening Standard claim that expulsion from England’s top flight is still possible, should the Citizens be found guilty.
