Manchester City have been involved in a prolonged legal dispute with the Premier League for nearly a year over its Associated Party Transaction (APT) regulations.
Although the club managed to have the APT rules amended following legal action in June last year, they remain dissatisfied with the current framework.
Last month, City raised new concerns, alleging that the rules unfairly benefit clubs like Arsenal, Everton, and Leicester City, who have received significant financial backing through loans from their owners.
According to The Times (29 April), these clubs might now be required to provide detailed disclosures about their shareholder loans.
Stefan Borson, a former financial adviser to Manchester City, told Football Insider that if City prevail in their second legal challenge over the APT rules, further changes to the regulations will likely be necessary.
The verdict on this second case may not be delivered until early 2026, with the tribunal scheduled for mid-October.
Borson explained that City are arguing these shareholder loans have been used by rival clubs to fund player transfers and wages, not just infrastructure projects, which blurs the distinction between shareholder loans and other types of APTs.
The Premier League previously claimed such loans were excluded from APT rules to promote investment in club infrastructure, like stadiums and training facilities. However, City contend that the funds were used for competitive advantages on the pitch, and thus should be regulated similarly to other APTs.
If City can prove this, they may succeed in their case, prompting another overhaul of the Premier League’s financial rules.
On the field, Football Insider reported on 25 April that Manchester City plan to offer Rodri a new long-term contract amid interest from Real Madrid. The Spanish midfielder, who is under contract until June 2027 and won the Ballon d’Or last year, has spent much of the current season out with a major knee injury.