Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters has addressed the current situation regarding the associated party transaction (APT) rules. Despite the ongoing legal battle with Manchester City, which has brought to light issues with both current and previous legislation, Masters has not committed to an immediate timeline for rule changes. This legal situation runs alongside the more prominent 115 charges trial involving the reigning champions, who have called for no ‘knee jerk’ responses to the situation.
The Premier League had suggested that quick rule changes would be implemented after the tribunal’s findings, which upheld the necessity of the APT system and rejected the majority of Manchester City’s challenges. These elements could be addressed swiftly and effectively by the League and its clubs. Meanwhile, the Premier League will continue using the existing APT system, considering the Tribunal’s findings.
Richard Masters wrote to the 20 league members, stating, “There will be no rush to make amendments. Thank you to those who provided information on shareholder loans. We will circulate these to clubs when fully considered and ready, which may impact on the scheduling of our planned meetings with financial controls and legal advisory groups, and all clubs next week.”
The Financial Controls Advisory Group and Legal Advisory Group were scheduled to meet on Tuesday, with an emergency full league meeting planned two days later. Although the Premier League earned significant victories in the broader legal battle, Manchester City secured a few favorable outcomes, emphasizing the need for newly defined financial guidelines. The tribunal ruling, however, did not eliminate the rules’ applicability, representing a technical success for the league’s stance.
Among the clubs’ varied opinions, Chelsea, Newcastle, and Everton aligned with Manchester City’s arguments, whereas Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, and several other teams supported the Premier League’s position.
