Premier League call emergency meeting to consider major rule change after Man City tribunal

The Premier League have reportedly called an emergency meeting with all 20 clubs to discuss potential changes to its rules in light of the outcome of Manchester City's tribunal. Several of City's grievances were upheld, most notably regarding Associated Party Transaction (APT).

The club's legal team successfully argued that interest-free loans from shareholders to clubs should be included in APT regulations. This leaves several clubs at risk of breaching Profit and Sustainability Rules.

Arsenal is one such club facing repercussions. It's reported they have taken approximately £200m in shareholder loans to bolster transfer market spending, and now face the challenge of swiftly balancing their books.

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It was also determined that City were unjustly prevented from finalising two substantial sponsorship deals earlier this year. The English champions are now seemingly free to negotiate significantly larger sponsorship agreements with associated parties, and are among a number of clubs who could now seek compensation and costs from the Premier League.

Consequently, top-flight executives are attempting to urgently organise a meeting with all 20 of its clubs next week. They're expected to discuss the extent to which it will need to change rules and regulations as a result of the sponsorship judgement, according to the Express.

The independent three-man panel dismissed some aspects of Manchester City's claims regarding blocked sponsorship deals, rejecting the arguments that the Premier League was guilty of "discrimination against Gulf ownership," and supporting the overall concept of ATP regulations.

However, the league held firm in its response, claiming a win in the dispute and noting that any necessary rule changes could be "quickly and effectively be remedied," by its clubs. An official statement 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 Tribunal did, however, identify a small number of discrete elements of the rules which do not, in their current form, comply with competition and public law requirements. These elements can quickly and effectively be remedied by the League and clubs."

During the legal discussions, Chelsea, Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest, and Everton gave evidence in favour of Manchester City, while Brighton, West Ham, Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham, and Arsenal acted as witnesses on behalf of the Premier League.

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Manchester City wrapped up the 2023/24 season with a fourth successive Premier League title, but they missed out on another Treble with defeat in the FA Cup final and Champions League quarter-finals. It's now time for Pep Guardiola and co to turn their attention to the transfer window.

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