Man City's APT settlement with Premier League explained - timeline and what it means

Manchester City have reached a settlement with the Premier League in their dispute over the rules governing Associated Party Transactions (APTs)

Manchester City and the Premier League have settled their dispute over the regulations surrounding Associated Party Transactions (APTs)(Image: PA)

Manchester City have settled their dispute with the Premier League over the regulations surrounding Associated Party Transactions (APTs).

This legal action is different from the 115 charges relating to alleged FFP violations between 2009 and 2018, which City strongly deny. City had plans to sign sponsorship deals with Etihad Airways and First Abu Dhabi Bank in 2023. However, these were rejected by the Premier League for not meeting fair-market value under the APT rules.

This led City to question the legality of these rules, winning the initial case in 2024 and prompting some of them to be altered. A verdict in February 2025 determined that all previous rules should be nullified. The amendment in the rules means those deals City agreed to two years ago could now proceed.

A resolution has now been reached regarding their disagreement with English football's top-tier over APT rules. Below is a look at the case and what it could mean for City and the Premier League.

Case explained

The APT rules govern commercial agreements between clubs and entities associated with their owners. These rules were tightened in early 2024 after being introduced in 2021.

City began arbitration proceedings on January 20 against the existing APT rules. The case was set for trial in October, but due to a settlement agreement, this will no longer be necessary.

City statement

In a statement, City said: "The Premier League and Manchester City FC have reached a settlement in relation to the arbitration commenced by the club earlier this year concerning the Premier League's Associated Party Transaction (APT) Rules, and as a result, the parties have agreed to terminate the proceedings.

"This settlement brings an end to the dispute between the parties regarding the APT Rules. As part of the settlement, Manchester City accepts that the current APT Rules are valid and binding.

"It has been agreed that neither the Premier League nor the club will be making any further comment about the matter."

Premier League statement

The Premier League said: "The Premier League and Manchester City FC have reached a settlement in relation to the arbitration commenced by the club earlier this year concerning the Premier League's Associated Party Transaction (APT) Rules, and as a result the parties have agreed to terminate the proceedings.

"This settlement brings an end to the dispute between the parties regarding the APT Rules. As part of the settlement, Manchester City accepts that the current APT Rules are valid and binding.

"It has been agreed that neither the Premier League nor the club will be making any further comment about the matter."

115 charges difference

City and the Premier League are still awaiting the verdict from an independent commission hearing concerning over 100 charges against the club for alleged violations of the league's financial regulations - accusations that City vehemently refute. The case, which was heard privately at the International Dispute Resolution Centre in London, concluded at the end of 2024.

A trio of panellists have been examining the evidence, with a final decision expected imminently. It is suggested that if Man City are found culpable, they could face a significant financial penalty or even potentially a substantial point deduction.

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