Manchester United ‘provide information’ against Man City in legal case against Premier League

Manchester United are reportedly one of a number of clubs who have submitted statements of support for the Premier League ahead of a forthcoming legal hearing with Manchester City.

Man City are suing the Premier League over Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules, which permit the league oversight on deals between entities connected with club owners to ensure fees are not inflated above fair market rates.

These rules were brought in during 2021 on the back of Newcastle United’s takeover, so that owners who seal agreements with such companies do not bloat transaction prices and thereby hand a club more revenue headspace within spending rules.

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Man City believe these regulations are unlawful and are seeking damages from the Premier League as a result. A two-week hearing is set to commence on Monday, with three clubs said to support Man City in their claims.

Chelsea, Aston Villa and Newcastle are all backing the Blues, but at least 10 clubs are providing documentation in support of the Premier League, the Daily Mail says, with United named as one of them.

Arsenal, Fulham, Brighton and Wolves are also siding with the Premier League. Ahead of the hearing, some are said to have provided letters and others have given witness statements.

There are grave fears that, should Man City win the case, the Premier League could become more imbalanced and spending rules would be made immensely less effective. Clubs are also thought to want more clarity on how APTs would work within multi-club models.

City sit within the City Football Group portfolio while Chelsea owners BlueCo also own French club Strasbourg, with United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in charge of fellow Ligue 1 outfit OGC Nice.

This APT case is separate to the 115 financial charges that Man City were levelled with back in February 2023. The club deny all of the allegations, which comprise accusations of illicit revenue sourcing and uncooperation on matters between 2009 and 2018.

The independent tribunal for that case is expected to begin in the final months of the calendar year, amid suggestions of a November start date, and is expected to last around six weeks.