- Premier League clubs concerned about Manchester City legal case
- They believe it could mean the end of competitive balance if City are successful
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Several Premier League clubs believe that Manchester City winning a legal case aimed at demolishing financial controls would mean the end of any competitive balance in the competition, Mail Sport understands.
As City prepare for next week’s legal case seeking the abolition of limits on money Abu Dhabi sponsors funnel to the reigning champions, a club executive told Mail Sport: “If this case is successful What’s the point?” Another said: “We might as well abandon the idea of competing with them.”
Despite a source suggesting some clubs were “losing shit” with the champions over their bid to end the Premier League’s Associated Party Transactions (APT) rules, City on Wednesday joined the 19 members in Harrogate, West Yorkshire, for a “Club Strategy Day”, organized to discuss the future of the Premier League.
Executives at other clubs are trying to maintain an air of professional civility with City chief executive Ferran Soriano. But a prevailing (although unconfirmed) view among clubs is that the Premier League champions have a major new sponsor, whose money would help regenerate their squad.
A club executive said: “This case is being brought in a very short time by City, the exact opposite of the 115 charges (of breaching financial sustainability rules) they are facing.”
Some Premier League clubs believe Manchester City’s victory in their court case will upend the competitive balance in the division.
Manchester City have sued the Premier League over new financial rules, claiming they are victims of “discrimination”
Significantly, the other club most likely to benefit from the removal of the APT rules, Newcastle United, have not joined City’s case to have them declared illegal, including a claim for damages.
It is understood that Newcastle are content to sit back, watch the legal case unfold and let City lead the process, rather than go to war with the Premier League.
Newcastle co-owner Amanda Staveley is not seen among her Premier League colleagues as a destructive force, despite the Tyneside club privately opposing the APT rules, introduced in December 2021 after the takeover Saudi Arabia from St James Park. Staveley and Newcastle are considered something of an enigma on this issue.
Chelsea, whose co-owners Clearlake have had billions in Saudi investments, are seen by some clubs as far more destructive to the Premier League’s desire to maintain competitive balance.
In a statement issued before news of the legal case emerged, City chairman Khaldoon al Mubarak criticized the Premier League for financial “regulations” introduced over the past 12 months.
Some clubs are “losing their minds” over the legal case, while one executive asked “what’s the point?” in case they get it
City seeks to end associated party transaction (APT) rules, which they say are illegal
He told City TV: “I think the Premier League got to where it is today by being the most competitive league.” So I hope there is a little more sensitivity in the regulation.
“A balanced approach is always good in all leagues, whether in England or the rest of Europe. I think we will not see the same level that we have seen in recent years, due to the levels of regulations that have been implemented in the last 12 months”. The Premier League has declined to comment.