(Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)

James Murray

Fri 25 April 2025 16:00, UK

Manchester City could have to wait until January before the independent panel publishes its decision in their associated party transaction (APT) case, sources have told Football Insider. 

Man City challenged the APT rules at an arbitration hearing in June last year, with two aspects of the regulations deemed unlawful when the panel published its findings in October.

The Premier League issued proposed amendments that were later approved by the top-flight clubs at a meeting in November.

The case then took a new twist in February when the panel ruled the APT regulations in place between 2021 and 2024 were “void and unenforceable”. 

However, the Premier League has insisted the ruling doesn’t impact the “valid operation” of the current APT rules following the changes made in November.

Man City have since submitted a new legal challenge as they look to overhaul the APT rules for a second time.

The Lawyer reported on 22 April the trial, which is set to last almost two weeks, will take place in mid-October.

Sources have told Football Insider it will likely take at least two months before the panel reaches its decision, with the case potentially stretching into next January. 

Man City and Newcastle could claim compensation

Man City initially took legal action against the Premier League after seeing some of their commercial deals rejected or adjusted.

The deals in question with Etihad Airways and First Abu Dhabi Bank were blocked in 2023 for not being fair-market value under the APT rules.

Former Everton chief Keith Wyness told Football Insider Man City could claim compensation from the Premier League after the rules were found to be unlawful during that period.

Newcastle United could submit a similar claim after they have seen lucrative deals linked to their Saudi owners blocked in recent years.

The Tyneside club struck sponsorship deals with Sela and Noon worth a combined £32.5million, but they could have potentially banked a higher fee without the now-void APT rules in place. 

Man City have shown confidence in 115 charges case

Meanwhile, Man City are still waiting to hear the verdict in their 115 charges case, with the independent panel currently considering its verdict. 

The English champions are alleged to have concealed payments through third parties by disguising them as sponsorship revenue, having initially been handed the charges by the Premier League in February 2023. 

Man City have shown signs of confidence the verdict will go in their favour, but little information has come to light throughout the process.

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