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Friday | May 23

Manchester City haven't backed down in their ongoing battle with the Premier League as Liverpool watch on

Manchester City are locked into a battle with the Premier League.Manchester City are locked into a battle with the Premier League.(Image: Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Manchester City have continued their war-of-words with the Premier League following Monday's landmark Associated Party Transactions (APT) rules verdict. The top-flight champions have accused the governing body of misleading clubs with inaccuracies as the fallout continues.

Yesterday was the conclusion of the legal battle between the two respective parties, separate from the ongoing proceedings into the 115 charges, which saw the APT rules deemed 'unlawful' following complaints from City. Liverpool were among the Premier League clubs to provide supporting evidence in the tribunal, while neighbours, Everton, were among the teams to side with Man City.


The 175-page report found that the rules did not take into consideration interest-free loans from shareholders to clubs. As a result, the likes of City and other clubs could look to pursue compensation and costs from the Premier League for abusing its position - should they believe they have been impacted.

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Both the Premier League and City released differing statements as one side welcomed the verdict, while City declared the result as a win - slamming the abuse of dominant power in implementing the rules, which were enforced in light of Saudi Arabia's Private Investment Fund completing the takeover of Newcastle United.


City's general counsel, Simon Cliff, wrote to the other 19 clubs, as well as the Premier League, taking aim at their statement. The Times has revealed they have seen the letter, which slams the initial verdict as Cliff looks to dismiss the points made.

In a brief snippet of the correspondence, it was suggested that there has been a loss of trust within the league. Cliff writes: "We will be writing separately about this to the PL but in the meantime, given the findings in the award, this is the time for careful reflection and consideration by all clubs, and not for a knee-jerk reaction.

"Such an unwise course would be likely to lead to further legal proceedings with further legal costs. It is critical for member clubs to feel that they can have trust in their regulator."


In the report, The Times adds that the Premier League refused to respond to City's letter publicly, however privately, they insist there will be no vote on amendments to APT Rules at next week's emergency meeting.