London, – Premier League clubs are reportedly confident they can secure the majority needed to pass a key proposal amending sponsorship regulations, despite resistance led by Manchester City.
The crucial vote, set for Friday, aims to revise rules governing Associated Party Transactions (APTs), an issue that has deeply divided England’s elite football clubs.
According to The Times, the proposed changes require support from at least 14 of the 20 Premier League teams. Wolverhampton Wanderers and Everton, previously opposed to stricter APT rules, are now said to back the Premier League’s initiative. This shift could leave Manchester City and their allies, including Aston Villa, just short of the seven votes required to block the motion.
Last-Minute Lobbying Intensifies
The outcome remains uncertain, with high-stakes negotiations taking place ahead of the shareholder meeting in London. Manchester City, joined by Aston Villa, has called for the vote to be postponed, arguing unresolved legal concerns surrounding the proposed changes.
The dispute traces back to June when Manchester City challenged the Premier League’s decision to reject a substantial Etihad sponsorship deal as exceeding fair market value. The legal battle has since escalated, with City claiming the proposed amendments are “unlawful.”
In a letter to the league’s member clubs, City urged a delay until the tribunal reviewing their legal complaint issues its final response. Aston Villa owner Nassef Sawiris echoed this sentiment, suggesting a 90-day postponement to align any amendments with the tribunal’s findings.
A League Divided
While most clubs appear to support the Premier League’s push for reform, City reportedly has backing from Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest, Chelsea, Leicester City, and Aston Villa. This division underscores growing tensions within the Premier League over governance and financial oversight.
Sawiris, speaking to The Times, argued that a delay could foster consensus. “We believe a vote in 90 days, incorporating the tribunal’s findings, would be more likely to achieve unanimous support from all 20 clubs,” he said.
Potential Implications for English Football
The proposed amendments are designed to streamline the approval process for sponsorship deals involving related entities, addressing criticisms about fairness and transparency. Should the reforms pass, they could significantly alter how Premier League clubs manage their financial partnerships.
However, failure to secure the necessary votes could weaken the Premier League’s authority and deepen existing fractures among its members. A veto might also expose the league to further legal challenges, complicating efforts to enforce financial regulations.
As the Premier League approaches this watershed moment, the stakes extend beyond the immediate vote. The outcome will likely shape the league’s regulatory landscape and could influence its standing as the world’s most competitive football competition.