Manchester City have failed in their attempt to block changes to Premier League sponsorship rules, with clubs voting overwhelmingly in favour of amendments at a crucial London summit.
The vote on Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules secured 16 votes in favour and four against, surpassing the required threshold of 14.
The decision comes despite strong opposition from Manchester City, who had previously mounted a legal challenge against sections of the existing regulations.
The four clubs that voted against the changes were City, Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United.
Manchester City have failed in their attempt to block changes to Premier League sponsorship rules, with clubs voting overwhelmingly in favour of amendments at a crucial London summit
PA
The opposition from these clubs proved insufficient to prevent the amendments passing, as the Premier League requires only 14 votes to approve such changes.
The remaining 16 clubs supported the new regulations during this morning’s ballot in London.
A Premier League spokesperson confirmed the changes at today’s shareholders’ meeting, stating: “The amendments to the rules address the findings of an Arbitration Tribunal following a legal challenge by Manchester City to the APT system earlier this year.”
The spokesperson added that the Premier League had conducted “a detailed consultation with clubs – informed by multiple opinions from expert, independent Leading Counsel.”
The changes include new assessments of shareholder loans and modifications to how information from the league’s databank is shared with club advisors.
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Manchester City received support from just three rivals amid their ongoing row with the Premier League
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Before the vote, Manchester City had warned that the Premier League was rushing through the amendments too quickly.
The club had actively urged other Premier League teams to vote against the proposed changes.
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City also raised the possibility of legal action should the amendments be passed, highlighting their strong opposition to the new regulations.
This followed their earlier successful legal challenge which had found sections of the previous rules to be unlawful.
The Premier League emphasised that APT rules serve a crucial purpose in maintaining fair competition within the league.
According to the Premier League spokesperson: “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.”
The rules were specifically introduced “to provide a robust mechanism to safeguard the financial stability, integrity and competitive balance of the league.”