Premier League clubs have approved changes to the competition’s Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules despite the challenge of Manchester City.
Both sides claimed victory last month after an arbitration panel found that some elements of the league’s APT rules were unlawful.
But the Premier League has secured the votes it needed from member clubs – at least 14 – to pass the amendments with 16 voting in favour and four voting against.
Aston Villa said they would back City, while Arsenal, Bournemouth, Brentford, Fulham, Liverpool, Manchester United, West Ham and Wolves supported the league with evidence during the summer’s arbitration.
City have argued that the tribunal’s criticisms have undermined the league’s entire APT apparatus. The league says the tribunal was an endorsement of its broader rules and that, given the changes, they remain robust.
The league said in a statement on Friday: “At a Premier League Shareholders’ meeting today, clubs approved changes to the League’s Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules. The Premier League has conducted a detailed consultation with clubs – informed by multiple opinions from expert, independent Leading Counsel – to draft rule changes that address amendments required to the system.
“This relates to integrating the assessment of Shareholder loans, the removal of some of the amendments made to APT rules earlier this year and changes to the process by which relevant information from the League’s ‘databank’ is shared with a club’s advisors.
“The purpose of the APT rules is to ensure clubs are not able to benefit from commercial deals or reductions in costs that are not at Fair Market Value (FMV) by virtue of relationships with Associated Parties. These rules were introduced to provide a robust mechanism to safeguard the financial stability, integrity and competitive balance of the League.”
