Manchester City are reportedly set to take legal action against the Premier League’s commercial rules for alleged “discrimination”.
According to The Times, the English champions are seeking damages as they attempt to bring an end to the league’s associated party transaction (APT) rules, which City believe are unlawful.
The Premier League strengthened their stance on sponsorship deals earlier this year, with clubs no longer allowed to sign with companies linked to their owners.
City, owned by Abu Dhabi royal Sheikh Mansour, have dominated in England, sealing their sixth league title in seven years last month.
Their success has been helped by sponsorships from the Middle East, with Etihad Airways sponsoring both their stadium and their shirts over the years.
The club claim ATP rules were formed based on instigation from rival clubs which reacted to the Saudi takeover of Newcastle United in 2021.
The Times report adds that City believe other clubs aim to “safeguard their own commercial advantages”– hence the instigations were made.
The matter between the club and the league is set to be settled after a two-week arbitration hearing which begins next Monday.
City are still facing 115 separate charges for breaches of financial fair play, with that hearing repeatedly set for November.
Pictured above: Manchester City.
Image source: @mcfc_jacky
