Premier League clubs call emergency meeting as Man City row escalates

Manchester City and the Premier League are at war after a tribunal ruling earlier this week, with the other 19 clubs now set to discuss the matter at an emergency meeting

Premier League clubs have convened an emergency meeting as tensions with Manchester City intensify. The reigning champions are facing 115 charges of breaching the Premier League's Financial Fair Play rules, with a commission currently investigating.

However, their judgement is not expected to be publicised for some time. This is not the only point of contention between the two parties.

Earlier this week, both the Premier League and City claimed victory from a tribunal ruling on sponsorship rules. League chiefs emailed the other 19 top-flight clubs to downplay the significance of the verdict, causing outrage at the Etihad Stadium.

City's legal counsel responded by sending an email criticising the Premier League. League chief executive Richard Masters stated that the tribunal had largely supported their associated party transaction (APT) rules but 'identified a small number of elements... which do not, in their current form, comply with competition and public law requirements'.

He suggested that changes could 'quickly and effectively be remedied'. In response, City accused the Premier League of dishonesty in a lengthy message to all clubs and the League themselves, reports the Mirror.

According to the Daily Mail, the 20 clubs will now hold an emergency meeting next Thursday to discuss their next steps. The 'big-hitters' from each team are expected to attend, though the location of the meeting is currently unknown.

The Premier League is bracing for a barrage of questions concerning the operations of their legal team. Despite the recent ruling, there won't be a vote on changes to APTs.

Manchester City has reportedly received backing from several clubs, although opinions are divided, with some suggesting the club's response was excessive. Premier League chiefs have dismissed any suggestion that Masters' email was misleading or inaccurate.

In a statement, the Premier League expressed its satisfaction with the Tribunal's findings: "The Premier League welcomes the Tribunal's findings, which endorsed the overall objectives, framework and decision-making of the APT system."

They added, "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."

Manchester City hit back with a strongly-worded email from their general counsel Simon Cliff, who stated: "Regrettably the (League's) summary is misleading and contains several inaccuracies. This is the time for careful reflection by all clubs, and not for a knee-jerk reaction."

He warned, "Such an unwise course would be likely to lead to further legal proceedings with further legal costs. It is critical for member clubs to feel they can have trust in their regulator."