The battle continues - Implications of the latest decision in Manchester City's challenge to the Premier League's APT rules
The Arbitral Tribunal has now issued its Second Partial Final Award[1] in the high-profile competition law battle between Manchester City Football Club ("MCFC") and the Premier League ("PL") in respect of the PL's rules known as the Associated Party Transaction Rules or the "APT Rules". The dispute arose from the PL's determination that several transactions negotiated by MCFC were not at "fair market value" and therefore needed to be amended. There have been two arbitral hearings so far and the Tribunal has now issued two Partial Awards, both of which make findings in MCFC's favour.
This article explores those decisions and, in particular, the impact of the Second Partial Final Award on the PL's current APT Rules (which had been further amended and approved in November 2024 promptly after the First Partial Final Award).
It explores:
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- Tags: Dispute Resolution | Football | Premier League | Regulation | UEFA | UEFA Club Financial Control Body | UEFA Financial Fair Play Regulations | UEFA Financial Sustainability Regulations | United Kingdom (UK)
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Written by
Ben Lasserson
Ben is a Partner in the Competition group in the Innovation department.
He specialises in competition litigation, commercial litigation, international arbitration and other dispute resolution procedures, and has a wealth of experience acting for major multinational businesses across a broad range of sectors. He is particularly experienced in advising clients on third party funding arrangements and how to manage the financial risks of litigation.
Simon Leaf
Simon is an experienced commercial and regulatory Partner with a particular focus on the Technology and Sport sectors, where he leads the Mishcon de Reya Sports Group. He is consistently recognised as a leader in these areas across the legal directories and beyond.
Simon specialises in advising clients (ranging from fast-growth start-ups to internationally listed companies, as well as governing bodies, Middle Eastern and African governments, major clubs, sponsors, intermediaries and athletes) on a range of transactional, IP and regulatory issues.
Chanelle Cattin
Chanelle is a Managing Associate in the Competition group in the Innovation department.
Chanelle has a broad competition law and commercial litigation background, gained from working in the litigation department of a leading New Zealand law firm and the New Zealand Commerce Commission prior to joining Mishcon de Reya LLP in 2022.
Peter Smith
Peter is an Associate in the Competition Group in the Innovation Department at Mishcon de Raya
Peter has extensive experience of high-value commercial disputes and particular experience in competition litigation. He trained and qualified at a leading city law firm and worked on a broad range of commercial disputes before specialising in competition matters. Peter has worked on both the claimant and defendant side in high-profile competition claims before the High Court and Competition Appeal Tribunal. Peter is also experienced in litigation funding and insurance.
