16 English Championship clubs voted in favor of changes to associated party transaction (APT) rules
Premier League clubs voted, at a meeting in central London, for changes to APT (associated party transaction) rules. The decision took place on Friday (22.Nov.2024). Only 4 clubs opposed: Manchester City, Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest. The measure seeks to strengthen the financial integrity and competitive balance of the league. The information was released by .
The league carried out a consultation with clubs, supported by independent specialist consultants. Changes include:
- Shareholder Loan Valuation
- Removal of some of the previously made changes to the APT rules
- Changes to the League’s ‘database’ information sharing process.
The aim is to ensure that clubs do not benefit from commercial agreements or cost reductions that do not reflect fair market value due to relationships with associated parties.
Manchester City has expressed opposition to the changes, particularly after an independent panel found aspects of the APT rules illegal during an arbitration with the Premier League. Since the October decision, the club and league have exchanged legal correspondence.
The Premier League has clarified that the changes aim to address the arbitration court’s findings. “The rule changes address the findings of an arbitration tribunal following a legal challenge by Manchester City to the APT system earlier this year,” declared the league.
Premier League broadcasting rights
In addition to the APT rule changes, the Premier League announced that clubs have unanimously agreed to establish a new in-house media operations business, ending a 20-year partnership with IMG. The Premier League will produce and distribute all international media content internationally from the 2026-2027 season.
