The Premier League reviews its APT rule proposals after the clubs’ meeting

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By By Joan

The Premier League is preparing to update its proposals regarding the rules governing commercial agreements following a meeting of elite football clubs. This event, which took place last Tuesday, marked the first meeting of the 20 clubs since the verdict concerning the legal case of Manchester City against the league regarding related party transaction (APT) rules.

Context of APT rules

The APT rules were established to ensure that sponsorship agreements with companies linked to club owners reflect a fair market value. During the verdict, some claims from Manchester City were recognized, with two aspects of the rules deemed illegal by the court. This includes the decision that low-interest loans provided by shareholders should not be excluded from the scope of APT rules.

Furthermore, the changes made in February to strengthen regulation were also considered violations of antitrust law. These findings highlight the need for a revision of existing rules to ensure compliance with legal standards.

Reactions from clubs and the future of the proposals

During the meeting, Premier League executives presented the current situation and gathered feedback on the new proposals. While the league hopes to reach an agreement quickly, Manchester City expresses reservations about a rapid resolution of the situation.

It is important to note that no vote was scheduled during this meeting. League officials indicated that they would use the clubs’ feedback to update their proposals and send them back to the teams, a process that could be completed in the coming days.

Next steps

The complete clarification of the new rules can only occur after a vote, requiring the approval of 14 clubs. Although the league has not provided a specific timeline for this vote, it acknowledged that it could happen in the short or medium term. The next meeting of Premier League shareholders is scheduled for mid-November, but adequate time will need to be given if a vote is considered at that occasion.

Source : www.bbc.co.uk