By Boluwatife Kehinde
Manchester City and the Premier League have reached a settlement over their dispute concerning the league’s Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules, ending arbitration proceedings that had been scheduled for later this year.
The matter is separate from the ongoing case involving more than 100 charges against the City for alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations, which the club firmly denies.
According to Sky Sports, City launched arbitration proceedings on 20 January, challenging aspects of the APT framework.
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These rules are designed to ensure that transactions between clubs and entities linked to their ownership are conducted at fair market value.
The case had been scheduled for trial in October, but the agreement between both parties means a hearing is no longer necessary.
The city’s challenge reportedly raised concerns over the treatment of shareholder loans under the regulations. The dispute has now been formally resolved.
In a statement, Manchester City confirmed the conclusion of proceedings:
“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. As a result, the parties have agreed to terminate the proceedings.
“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 on the matter.”
The Premier League issued a near-identical statement, confirming the settlement and stating that no further comment would be made.
While this resolution closes one legal chapter between the club and the league, another significant case remains.
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City are awaiting the verdict of an independent commission investigating more than 100 charges for alleged breaches of financial rules over several years.
The club continues to deny any wrongdoing, maintaining its innocence as the football world watches closely for the outcome.
