Premier League Clubs Approve APT Rule Changes

Manchester City faced a setback as Premier League clubs approved changes to the Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules, despite City's legal challenges claiming some rules were 'unlawful'. City argued that the current rules unfairly impacted club revenues and had hoped to delay the vote, with support from Aston Villa. The Premier League amended the rules after a tribunal found some aspects unlawful but maintained that the changes were necessary to ensure fair market value in sponsorships. Despite City's efforts, 16 of 20 clubs voted in favor of the amendments, which include considerations for shareholder loans. Villa and City argue that the amendments could lead to further legal disputes and called for a postponement of the vote to ensure comprehensive agreement among clubs. The situation has been tense, with accusations of rushed processes and potential 'civil war' within English football over these regulations.