Aston Villa co-owner Nassef Sawiris has publicly expressed his support for Manchester City in their ongoing dispute with the Premier League over Associated Party Transaction (APT) regulations. This comes after Manchester City sent a letter to all 19 other Premier League clubs last week, seeking their support ahead of a vote on new proposals concerning these rules.
Manchester City is challenging the legality of the Premier League's APT regulations. These rules are designed to ensure that sponsorships from companies linked to club owners represent fair market value and are not inflated artificially.
Last month, both Manchester City and the Premier League claimed victory following an arbitration panel's ruling on aspects of these regulations. However, this has not settled the matter as it continues to be a point of contention between both parties.
Proposed amendments and upcoming Vote
In response to the arbitration ruling, several amendments have been proposed by the Premier League which will be voted upon at a meeting involving all clubs this Friday.
Manchester City has accused the league of "rushing through its consultation process" and urged fellow clubs to vote against these amendments. This plea for support was communicated through letters sent out last week.
Aston Villa take stand against APT rules
The feud between Manchester City and the Premier League has escalated with threats of more legal action from Pep Guardiola’s side looming large. In light of this situation, Aston Villa has decided its stance ahead of Friday's vote.
Sawiris confirmed that his club will stand alongside Manchester City by voting against changes in APT rules. This decision aligns with Sawiris' previous criticisms towards how things are run within England's top-flight football league.
Aston Villa co-owner, Nassef Sawiris, said:
“In our view, a vote in 90 days on amended terms taking into consideration the Tribunal’s findings will have a significantly greater chance of securing the unanimous support of all 20 Premier League clubs, Crucially, a unanimous vote will present a fresh start for an embattled Premier League that began with the failed attempt to launch a Super League in 2021. With the imminent arrival of the Government’s Independent Football Regulator, it is more important than ever that the Premier League can present itself to the regulator with a united front. In our view, this will be far more easily achieved if the APT vote is held in February and supported unanimously by all clubs.
“It is noteworthy that legal bills to date on this matter have already reached astronomical amounts; further challenges and escalation of these fees could be avoided through reaching consensus. Ultimately, a unanimous vote will showcase the emergence of a new era of clubs who can compete vigorously on the pitch but work together to strengthen the Premier League and its global appeal.”
Sawiris bought Aston Villa along with American businessman Wes Edens back in 2018 and since then he hasn't shied away from expressing his views about the Premier League. In an interview with the Financial Times in June, he called for reforms within the league. The ongoing dispute between Manchester City and the Premier League over APT regulations has taken a new turn with Aston Villa publicly backing Manchester City. As clubs prepare to vote on proposed amendments this Friday, it remains to be seen how many will join Aston Villa in supporting Manchester City's stance against these rules.
