Manchester City Settle Premier League Dispute Over Commercial Deal Rules

Manchester City and the Premier League have reached a settlement in their legal battle over the rules governing commercial partnerships.

The club had challenged the validity of Associated Party Transaction (APT) regulations, which are designed to prevent inflated sponsorship deals with companies linked to club owners. City had argued the rules were “unlawful”, but have now accepted they are valid and binding.

In a joint statement, both parties confirmed: “Neither the Premier League nor the club will be making any further comment about the matter.”

City previously won an independent arbitration in 2023, which ruled against aspects of the APT regulations. However, in November 2024, the majority of Premier League clubs voted to amend and strengthen the rules, despite City’s opposition.

The settlement comes as City await the outcome of a separate disciplinary hearing into more than 100 alleged breaches of financial regulations, charges which the club continues to deny.