Premier League ‘set to defeat Man City’ in historic vote as two clubs switch sides

On Friday, the league as a whole will vote on the rules governing affiliated party transactions.

The vote follows a legal challenge from Manchester City against the Premier League (Image: GETTY)

Some teams are reportedly becoming more confident that the Premier League will have enough support to prevail in a close vote on the rules governing associated party transactions (APTs).

After the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia acquired Newcastle, the Premier League implemented the regulations. The goal was to stop clubs from exaggerating their business agreements with corporations connected to their owners.

However, City said the regulations discriminated against the Abu Dhabi United Group, an investment firm owned by the Abu Dhabi royal family.

Following a legal challenge from the defending champions, a crucial vote is scheduled on Friday. For the Premier League’s suggested rule changes to take effect, at least 14 of the 20 teams must vote in favour of the update.

The Times claims that even though Wolves and Everton voted against tougher APT regulations a year ago, they are now believed to be backing the Premier League. It implies that City’s attempts to thwart the vote might not be sufficient to secure the veto from the seven teams.

According to reports, Aston Villa is rooting for City, and Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest, Chelsea, and Leicester City may all provide their support. The six teams would still be one vote short of the magic number even if they all voted against the proposed reforms.

Following the Premier League’s denial of a lucrative sponsorship deal with Etihad, which was determined to be below fair market value, City filed their lawsuit in June.

According to The Telegraph, City claimed in its legal challenge that they were being affected by a “tyranny of the majority” in regards to linked party transaction regulations.

Additionally, they claimed that the regulations were “intentionally designed to restrict economic competition by stifling the commercial freedoms of specific clubs in specific circumstances.”

The current investigation into the 115 counts of purported rule violations against City was completely unrelated to the challenge. Although a decision on that front is anticipated before the current season ends, it won’t be made public until the following year.