Premier League Approves Tougher Sponsorship Rules in Blow to Manchester City

Manchester City and three other clubs opposed the amendments, which aim to ensure fair market value for deals linked to club ownership.

The Premier League passed amendments to its Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules with a 16-4 majority, despite opposition from Manchester City, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, and Nottingham Forest.
The updated rules now include shareholder loans under fair market value assessments, addressing concerns raised by an arbitration tribunal earlier this year.
Manchester City had argued for a delay, citing unresolved issues from the tribunal decision, but the league moved forward with the changes to safeguard financial integrity and competitive balance.
The amendments are seen as a victory for the Premier League leadership, which has faced legal challenges from City over financial regulations, including the ongoing case involving 115 alleged financial breaches.
The vote reflects a growing coalition of clubs supporting stricter financial controls, spanning both large and smaller teams across the league.