Manchester City have claimed a victory over the Premier League it has been revealed today. The world champions have released a statement on mancity.com that explains that an independent panel has found that the Premier League’s Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules are unlawful. That statement in itself shows just how messy the game has become. The world champions have long been painted as the evil empire in the game. But now that may have changed after the independent panel ruling.
For an independent panel to find any of the Premier League’s rules unlawful is a massive story in itself. The, fact that according to Manchester City’s, statement that the Premier League has abused its dominant position is another. A governing body cannot abuse its power. That’s not what they are employed to do. It is now something that City have exposed, and an independent panel has agreed with. Now, after seeing so many questions and criticism aimed at Manchester City over a prolonged period, surely those fingers must be pointed at the Premier League? That would only be fair. In fact, it is the only conclusion to reach after the verdict in Manchester City’s APT case has been revealed.
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But what this affair has exposed is just how messy football has become. Matters off the pitch shouldn’t be the focus of such attention. But in 2024, and for the best part of the last 15 years, they have been. Ever since City rose to power in English football, stories such as today’s have dominated the headlines. It has always felt like Manchester City is pushing the proverbial uphill to have their position in the game accepted. The world champions were the evil force in the game. The Premier League and City’s rival clubs were the bastions of the game. Who only have the interests of the game at heart. But today’s ruling has exposed it all. Now it leaves the Premier League’s APT rules in tatters. You also have to wonder what other Premier League rules are unlawful? But that’s a discussion for another time.
Pep Guardiola’s famous quote from February 2023 now rings true. After City’s charges were announced he said: “Like Julius Caesar, in this world there are not enemies or friends, just interest.” That quote stood out at the time and it stands out once more today after the independent panels ruling. What interests are being served by enforcing rules that are unlawful? That’s another question that must be asked and answered after today’s ruling.
Manchester City claimed a victory over the Premier League today. It will be reported as a seismic day in English football and what not. That has been the standard for these affairs. That may well be true, but instead of questions being asked of the world champions it’s about time they were asked of the Premier League. That may be the biggest story of the entire affair.
