Manchester City has launched a bombshell legal battle against the Premier League, accusing the organization of favoring certain clubs with a whopping £1.4 billion in preferential treatment. This shocking revelation comes in the midst of City facing 115 breaches of financial fair play rules, a separate issue from this latest accusation.
The legal tussle dates back to 2024 when Manchester City emerged victorious in a case against the Premier League’s Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules. The club had alleged discrimination after their deals with Etihad Airways and First Abu Dhabi Bank were blocked in 2023, leading to the Premier League’s sponsorship rules being deemed invalid.
In a detailed 88-page lawsuit, City has named Arsenal, Brighton & Hove Albion, Everton, and Leicester City as the beneficiaries of the Premier League’s alleged unfair practices. The accusations include substantial financial assistance provided to these clubs, with Arsenal reportedly receiving £259 million in loans, Brighton £406.5 million, Everton £450 million, and Leicester £265 million, all during various seasons.
City argues that these massive sums have given the mentioned clubs a significant economic advantage that has not been scrutinized under the same standards as City’s own sponsorship-linked income. If successful in this legal battle, City could potentially overturn the Premier League’s financial regulations, leading to penalties for the implicated clubs.
The case is set to be handled by a panel including Sir Nigel Teare, Lord Dyson, and Christopher Vajda KC, who previously ruled in City’s favor. Should Manchester City triumph once again, it could have far-reaching implications on the financial landscape of English football.
Stay tuned for the latest updates on this high-stakes legal showdown that could reshape the Premier League’s financial framework and hold clubs accountable for their alleged preferential treatment.