At least three clubs have sympathy for Manchester City’s position after they declared war on the Premier League over spending rules.
Mail Sport understands that Chelsea, Aston Villa and Newcastle all believe the champions have valid concerns ahead of a hearing on Monday at which City will attempt to get rules that limit how much companies linked to club owners can spend on sponsorship deals thrown out.
While Chelsea have provided a statement which challenges the updated rules on associated party transactions (APT), especially with regards to multi-club ownership, it is understood that Villa co-owner, the Egyptian billionaire Nassef Sawiris, is close to City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak and that he shares frustrations over imposed limits on spending.
Newcastle have abstained in recent votes on the matter but, given they are Saudi-owned and already have a shirt sponsorship deal with Saudi events management firm Sela, a victory for City would no doubt be viewed also as a victory for those at St James’ Park.
Between 10 and 12 clubs have provided information in support of the Premier League and its rules in what is being viewed as a civil war. Sources say that group includes the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, Fulham, Wolves, Brighton and Tottenham. Some have provided witness statements while others have provided letters.
Manchester City are not thought to be alone in their desire to challenge the league’s APT rules
Newcastle director Amanda Staveley and Chelsea’s co-controlling owner Todd Boehly share similar positions
Aston Villa co-owner Nassef Sawiris is thought to be close with Man City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak and shares his frustrations
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City, who will face 115 charges of breaking Premier League spending rules in November, have launched an unprecedented legal action which will be heard at a two-week hearing on Monday. They want changes to APT rules, brought in following the Saudi Newcastle takeover in November 2021, thrown out. They are also claiming damages.
Within their case, City say the current system is a result of the ‘tyranny of the majority’ and claim it is based on ‘discrimination’ against clubs with owners from the Middle East.
Chelsea, who have an agreement with Infinite Athlete, a company that lists the club’s joint owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali among its investors, want greater transparency with regards to APT and an expedited process. Currently, clubs strike deals which can later be deemed inflated. More clarity on what is acceptable with regards to multi-club ownership – which comes under APT – is thought to be part of their argument.
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