Aston Villa Backs Manchester City in Heated Premier League Row Over Associated Party Transactions
Aston Villa has reportedly thrown its support behind Manchester City in the ongoing dispute with the Premier League over Associated Party Transactions (APT). With a crucial vote on APT amendments set for Friday, Villa is urging the Premier League to cancel the meeting, citing significant concerns about the process.
Villa Calls for Vote Cancellation
According to The Telegraph, Villa has sent a strongly worded letter to Premier League CEO Richard Masters and other top-flight clubs, recommending the cancellation of Friday’s vote. The club has raised three key arguments:
- The risk of new legal challenges.
- Lingering doubts about the findings of a recent tribunal ruling.
- The potential for further rule changes once an independent regulator is introduced.
City’s Concerns Over a ‘Blind’ Vote
Meanwhile, Manchester City has reportedly reached out to rival clubs, emphasizing concerns that they are being asked to vote “blind” on amendments to APT rules. These rules, City argues, remain “void” as a tribunal continues to clarify its detailed 175-page ruling.
The Premier League has also issued a lengthy response, reportedly dismissing City’s critiques of the tribunal findings and defending its position.
Background on the APT Dispute
The APT system has been a contentious issue, with City and the Premier League both claiming partial victories after a tribunal ruling last month. The dispute centers around the Premier League’s rejection of commercial deals involving City’s partners, such as Etihad and Abu Dhabi First Bank, which were deemed not to reflect fair market value.
City celebrated the ruling, stating:
“The Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules have been found to be unlawful, and the Premier League’s decisions on two specific MCFC sponsorship transactions have been set aside.”
The Premier League, however, maintained that the tribunal endorsed the system’s overall framework, stating:
“The Tribunal upheld the need for the APT system as a whole… The Rules are necessary for the League’s financial controls to be effective.”
Tensions Ahead of Friday’s Meeting
Premier League clubs are set to meet at the Nobu Hotel in London to discuss the amendments. League officials are reportedly hoping the meeting will resolve tensions, but with both sides standing firm, the outcome remains uncertain.
As the APT saga continues, Villa’s intervention adds another layer to the intensifying debate. Whether the vote proceeds or gets postponed, the dispute highlights the growing challenges surrounding financial regulation in the Premier League.