Some clubs feel Man City ‘overstepped the mark’ with an email (Picture: Getty)
Premier League clubs will hold an emergency meeting on Thursday, October 17 with reports of a ‘civil war’ amid Manchester City’s ongoing legal battle.
The Daily Mail claims that a war in English football has ‘exploded’ after City accused the Premier League of ‘misleading’ clubs in regards to sponsorship rules.
It is reported City sent an email to the other 19 top-flight clubs on Monday, in which they accused Premier League bosses of ‘inaccuracies’ over their legal fight.
A tribunal recently found Premier League rules around commercial deals with parties linked to club owners to be ‘unlawful’.
City have claimed this as a key win – but Premier League chiefs have talked down the significance of the verdict – insisting changes could quickly be remedied.
According to the Daily Mail, City have responded by effectively accusing the Premier League of lying, and they will now meet with the other 19 top-flight sides.
It is believed that ‘big-hitters’ from every single Premier League club will be in attendance at the meeting as they discuss the next steps over what to do.
Man City vs Premier League verdict announced over commercial deals involving clubs’ owners
This week, the verdict was announced in Man City’s legal case against the Premier League over rules on commercial deals involving clubs’ owners.
Owned by the Abu Dhabi-backed City Football Group, the current Premier League champions had some complaints upheld, with two aspects of the associated party transaction (APT) rules deemed ‘unlawful’ by a tribunal.
Premier League bosses said the tribunal rejected the majority of City’s challenges and ‘endorsed the overall objectives, framework and decision-making of the APT system’.
APTs are aimed at the value of sponsorship deals with companies linked to clubs’ owners.
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It is reported City have received messages of support from ‘multiple’ clubs but that others feel the current champions ‘overstepped the mark’ with their email.
In the email, City’s general counsel Simon Cliff played down the idea that new rules could be implemented swiftly, and warned of even more costly legal action.
Not directly related to 115 alleged financial breaches
This case is not directly related to the Premier League disciplinary commission, which will hear 115 charges against City for allegedly breaching financial rules.
‘Regrettably the (Premier League’s) summary is misleading and contains several inaccuracies,’ he said.
‘This is the time for careful reflection by all clubs, and not for a knee-jerk reaction.
‘Such an unwise course would be likely to lead to further legal proceedings with further legal costs.
‘It is critical for member clubs to feel they can have trust in their regulator.’