Premier League approves new APT rules following City challenge | OneFootball

Premier League clubs have voted to approve changes to the Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules, a move prompted by an Arbitration Tribunal’s ruling that declared parts of the system unlawful.

The Athletic reports that Manchester City, Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest voted against the changes during the meeting in central London.

Man City were the most outspoken opponents, arguing for a delay until the tribunal issued comprehensive guidance.

Following City’s legal challenge earlier this year, the tribunal’s findings in October led to weeks of legal exchanges between the club and the Premier League.

Despite their objections, 16 clubs supported the amendments, which were deemed necessary to resolve the uncertainty surrounding APT deals.

Villa co-owner Nassef Sawiris also called for the vote to be postponed, telling the Daily Telegraph his club would oppose the changes and advocate for a three-month delay.

However, the league pressed ahead, citing the need to address the tribunal’s findings and move forward with clear rules. In a statement, the Premier League explained the rationale behind the changes: “The amendments to the rules address the findings of an Arbitration Tribunal following a legal challenge by Manchester City to the APT system earlier this year,” they wrote.

The statement further emphasised the extensive consultation process, noting it was ‘informed by multiple opinions from expert, independent Leading Counsel’.

The new rules aim to ‘ensure that there is appropriate parity between the treatment of shareholder loans and other APTs going forward’.

Transitional provisions will allow clubs time to align with the updated framework, but any shareholder loans entered into after the rules take effect will be ‘subject to an FMV (Fair Market Value) assessment’. Addressing the broader implications, the Premier League added: “If the Premier League board determines the loan to evidently not be at FMV, the club in question shall be required to terminate or vary the loan to reflect FMV and pay any identified shortfall in interest.”

The amendments reflect the Premier League’s intent to enforce stricter financial governance while adapting to the tribunal’s directives.

While some clubs remain unconvinced, the league considers the changes a crucial step toward ensuring regulatory clarity and financial fairness.