Manchester City and Premier League Resolve Dispute
In a significant development within English football governance, Manchester City and the Premier League have officially concluded a legal dispute concerning the league’s regulations on sponsorship arrangements involving entities linked to club ownership.
The disagreement centered around the Premier League’s Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules, which were revised following a vote by member clubs. These rules aim to ensure that any commercial agreements, particularly sponsorships, with organizations connected to club owners reflect fair market value.
Manchester Fights Back
In February, Manchester City launched a fresh arbitration against the updated APT rules, claiming they were unlawful. However, both parties have now agreed to end the proceedings. In a joint statement released on Monday, Manchester City and the Premier League confirmed that they had settled. As part of the agreement, City acknowledged the validity and enforceability of the current APT rules.
Conclusion Of Dispute
“This settlement brings an end to the dispute between the parties regarding the APT rules,” the statement read. “Manchester City accepts that the current APT rules are valid and binding.”
While this resolution closes one chapter in the ongoing tensions between the club and the league, another legal matter remains unresolved. Manchester City is still facing over 100 charges from the Premier League for alleged breaches of financial regulations. These allegations span nine years and include claims of inaccurate financial disclosures and non-compliance with UEFA’s Financial Fair Play standards.
An independent commission reviewed the case between September and December of last year, but no decision has been announced yet. Manchester City has consistently denied any wrongdoing and maintains its innocence as the footballing world awaits the verdict of the tribunal.
More Manchester City News
In August 2025, Manchester City announced a new betting partnership with Parimatch, a European sports betting company. The deal makes Parimatch the team’s official partner in Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa and allows the company the right to advertise its brand on the team’s LED boards at Old Trafford.
The league also announced that jersey betting sponsors will be banned in the Premier League starting next season. Some experts believe that the shirt sponsorship value could fall by 38% due to the new ban on gambling-sponsored jerseys.
In 2024, Manchester United was listed as the second-most valuable soccer team globally. The team also enjoys international brand recognition and is one of the most wagered-on teams in the Premier League. Legal soccer betting sites offer game lines, futures, and props for teams, individual players, and the overall outcome of the season.