Manchester City & Premier League settle sponsor rules dispute

Manchester City and the Premier League have reached a settlement in their dispute over the rules that govern commercial deals.

City began a legal challenge against the Premier League over new rules governing sponsorship deals, which the club claimed were “unlawful”.

However, as part of the settlement, City have accepted the rules governing associated party transactions (APT) are valid and binding.

“Neither the Premier League nor the club will be making any further comment about the matter,” a joint statement said.

Last year, an independent arbitration panel found against aspects of the league’s APT regulations after a lawsuit instigated by the club.

The rules were formed by the Premier League to prevent clubs from profiting from commercial deals with companies linked to their owners that are deemed above “fair market value”.

In November 2024, a majority of top-flight clubs voted to approve amendments to the APTs, despite opposition from City.