Man City to have ‘unlimited spending power’ as update emerges – sources
Manchester City will have unlimited spending power if they win their case against the Premier League over the associated party transaction (APT) rules.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed the rest of the top-flight clubs will be “concerned” if Man City are successful in their legal bid as they are already a dominant force.
The English champions have pursued legal action against the Premier League regarding the APT rules currently in place, with the club claiming the regulations are “unlawful”.
A relaxation of the rules would mean top-flight sides could agree sponsorship deals as high as they wanted with no challenge, increasing the amount they could spend under the profit and sustainability rules (PSR).
Four of Man City’s 10 biggest commercial and sponsorship deals at present are with companies linked to their Abu-Dhabi ownership group, including their stadium naming rights and shirt deal with Etihad Airways.
Man City have recorded a huge upturn in revenue over the past few years, largely down to their commercial revenue rising from £21million the season before the takeover took place in 2008 to £341.4million in 2022-23.
Man City have best lawyers presenting case against Premier League
The Premier League champions’ relationship with the governing body has already been strained by their 115 charges, which are due to be heard in November across a six-week period.
O’Rourke revealed Man City will have the best lawyers available representing them in their upcoming battle over the APT rules, with the case on track to be settled after a two-week private arbitration hearing starting on Monday (10 June).
Football Insider revealed Newcastle United are prepared to submit documents in support of Man City ahead of the hearing.
O’Rourke suggested the Premier League could become like France’s Ligue 1 if the Manchester club get their way, with PSG claiming 10 of the past 12 league titles.
Pep Guardiola’s side secured the English league title for a record-breaking fourth year in a row last season after overcoming a strong challenge from Arsenal.
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