June 04, (THEWILL) – Manchester City have launched an unprecedented legal case against the English Premier League over allegations of discrimination against Gulf ownership. The reigning champions claim new commercial rules unfairly target their Abu Dhabi-based owners.
The regulations in question are the Associated Party Transaction rules voted through in February. These require any significant sponsorship deals involving club owners to be independently assessed at fair market value. City argue the measures unlawfully discriminate against their Gulf investors.
Another bone of contention for City is the EPL’s voting system requiring approval from 14 of the 20 clubs to pass new rules. The champions feel this “tyranny of the majority” unfairly wields power against them.
An independent tribunal will hear City’s case next week. The legal battle precedes a separate hearing later this year examining City’s 115 charges of alleged financial fair play breaches. With the stakes high, the case marks an escalating war between the champions and England’s top flight.
Manchester City could face severe sanctions if found guilty of the financial charges. Their audacious legal offensive illustrates an unwillingness to back down in this high-stakes confrontation.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
