Settlement Terms
While confirming the settlement, both parties emphasized that they would not provide further comment.
“This settlement brings an end to the dispute between the parties regarding the APT rules,” the statement said. “As part of the settlement, Manchester City accepts that the current APT rules are valid and binding. It has been agreed that neither the Premier League nor the club will be making any further comment about the matter.”
The resolution formally ends the arbitration proceedings and closes one of the more contentious regulatory battles in English football.
Background of the APT Rules
The Premier League first introduced its APT rules in December 2021, shortly after the Saudi Public Investment Fund led a takeover of Newcastle United FC. The measures were designed to strengthen existing financial safeguards and address the risk of artificially inflated sponsorship deals being used to distort club finances.
The rules expanded on financial sustainability measures adopted in 2009, when Portsmouth FC entered insolvency. The intent was to protect clubs’ long-term profitability and the integrity of the competition by curbing potential abuses.
The league has maintained that APT oversight is essential for preserving competitive balance and ensuring that financial fair play principles remain enforceable across all clubs.
