Stefan Borson

Wed 16 April 2025 17:00, UK

Manchester City have taken aim at top-flight rivals Arsenal after a new twist has emerged in their legal battle with the Premier League. 

The English champions succeeded in getting the associated party transaction (APT) rules changed after taking legal action, but they are still unhappy with the regulations. 

In a new statement shared with Premier League clubs, Man City claim the rules “fail to meet the requirements of transparency, objectivity, precision and proportionality and are liable to distort competition”.

The Manchester giants questioned why shareholder loans were not subjected to the same scrutiny as other commercial deals they have seen blocked, and listed Arsenal, Brighton, Everton and Leicester City as unfairly benefiting from shareholder investment. 

Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider the club’s accusation centres around how Arsenal have been “lobbying in the background”.

Following an independent hearing last June, the APT rules in force between 2021 and 2024 were deemed “void and unenforceable” by the tribunal overseeing the case.

The Premier League voted through amendments to the sponsorship rules last November that still stand, but they are also the subject of a legal challenge from Man City. 

Premier League facing ‘big’ issues after Man City war

Borson insisted the Premier League is facing “bigger issues” following the ongoing war between top-flight clubs.

He told Football Insider: “I think City are making the point that certain clubs may not be voting on a purely objective basis in some of these votes about putting in place new rules, and they may be instead looking to make decisions that perhaps attack certain clubs.

“City cannot have any issue with a club who votes in the way that it sees fit. Nobody would suggest otherwise. A club can do whatever is in its interests.

“That said, City obviously wanted to make the point that certain clubs are perhaps not solely thinking about their self-interest but thinking about how they can damage one or two other clubs. I think that’s what the accusation is.

“Not that the Premier League are doing it. I don’t think there’s been any allegation that the Premier League has applied its own rules in an unfavourable way to City at this stage. That may have happened in the 115 case, and it may well happen in the future. 

“But at the moment, what City have alleged in the main hearing is that the rules are unlawful and discriminatory.

“But I think what they were talking about in terms of noting Arsenal’s position is that it’s really just about the way Arsenal have been acting and perhaps lobbying in the background as opposed to anything else.

“I think it’s a bit of a storm in a teacup. There are bigger issues that the Premier League has got between warring clubs. Clubs are always going to be competitive with each other. 

“As long as they don’t overstep the mark in terms of outright illegal acts or sort of a pure favouritism from the Premier League, I don’t think there’s that much of a big deal.

“It’s perfectly reasonable for City to raise their objection, but I think they’re making a point about getting things minuted, for example.” 

Nottingham Forest to respond after Man City’s Morgan Gibbs-White swoop

Football Insider revealed on 13 April Nottingham Forest are keen to open talks with Morgan Gibbs-White over a potential new contract.

Forest are set to respond with widespread reports suggesting Man City are ready to step up their interest in the midfielder.

It is believed Nuno Espirito Santo’s side will do everything to keep the 25-year-old, who is currently out of contract in June 2027.

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