Man City vs Premier League Q&A: Why are the champions suing? How are the other 19 clubs involved? And when will the hearing take place?

Manchester City launched ‘unprecedented legal action’ against the Premier League‘ on Tuesday.

City are still awaiting an outcome for 115 charges for allegedly breaching financial rules – that are strongly denied by the club – with a hearing now set for November.

According to The Times, the Etihad outfit are looking to end the league’s Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules, which they claim are unlawful.

It was reported in February that City were warning of the threat of legal action against the league’s APT rules and the outlet have confirmed the club went ahead with it.

Following the extraordinary development, Mail Sport answers the burning questions. 

Man City owner Sheikh Mansour (centre) next to chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarrak (right), pictured in 2023

Why are Manchester City suing the Premier League?

City argue that the Premier League’s Associated Party Transaction rules (APT), which prevent clubs from determining the price of deals with companies linked to their owners, are unlawful. 

Those laws say deals have to be independently assessed to reach a fair figure, but City argue they should be able to pay and receive whatever they want. City also want damages from the Premier League for the losses they claim to have suffered as a result of the rules.

What does this mean for the 115 charges they face?

Sponsorship deals funded by companies linked to Abu Dhabi and owner Sheik Mansour are central to some of the Premier League’s charges against City. If City’s claim is successful and the hearing finds the rules were unlawful, their defence against the charges they face will be significantly stronger. The case against City is due to be heard in November.

How are the other 19 top flight clubs involved?

Rival clubs in the Premier League can intervene in the proceedings, by submitting evidence either in City’s favour or the League’s. Some fear that if City are successful in proving the APT rules are unlawful, clubs with the richest owners will be able to plough unlimited money into their teams and get around Financial Fair Play rules. This could make the Premier League far less competitive.

The league (managing director Richard Masters pictured) could face an existential threat

When will the hearing take place?

City’s case against the Premier League starts on Monday and the hearing is expected to last a fortnight, with a verdict to follow. The 115 charges against City are expected to be heard in November, with the case lasting six weeks.