City fans demonstrate against the Premier League

A new dramatic episode in the ongoing tension between Manchester City and Premier League unfolded today at the League’s head office in London on Wednesday. City fans protested outside the head office following a meeting between the clubs and the League executives. The meeting was held to address frictions following a tribunal ruling on the league’s associated party transaction rules.
A vehicle outside the league’s office at Paddington carried a huge screen showing the crests of Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham with the inscription “Richard’s Masters” in subtle reference to the league’s Chief Executive Richard Masters. These had been the only four clubs which provided evidence against City during the proceedings.
According to reports, Masters ensured clubs that the existing APT rules will be amended to make ensure lawful compliance within a robust framework. The amendments will be subject to a vote in which at least 14 clubs must be in favour for it to be passed. The position of the Premier League is the the rules can be amended to remedy the faults found by the tribunal. However, City is convinced otherwise, pushing for the system to be totally abandoned.
The league’s statement following the ruling reiterates their commitment to improving the APT framework. It reads, “The Premier League welcomes the tribunal’s findings, which endorsed the overall objectives, framework and decision-making of the APT system. The tribunal upheld the need for the APT system as a whole and rejected the majority of Manchester City’s challenges. Moreover, the tribunal found that the rules are necessary in order for the league’s financial controls to be effective.
“The decision represents an important and detailed assessment of the APT rules, which ensure clubs are not able to benefit from commercial deals or reductions in costs that are not at Fair Market Value (FMV) by virtue of relationships with Associated Parties. These rules were introduced to provide a robust mechanism to safeguard the financial stability, integrity and competitive balance of the league.”