Which clubs voted against Premier League’s APT rule change?

English top-flight league made changes in their APT rule after getting the most votes.

Despite resistance from Manchester City, Premier League clubs decided on Friday to adopt revisions to the associated party transaction (APT) rules.

Both parties can now claim victory after an arbitration panel recently ruled that certain aspects of the league’s APT rules were illegal.

According to BBC Sport, the Premier League received the necessary number of votes—16 in favour and four against—to amend the rules in less than 30 minutes on Friday morning. Along with Aston Villa, City were one of the dissident voices, and both teams wrote to other elite teams to rally support.

Even with Aston Villa, Newcastle, and Nottingham Forest supporting City, the changes were quickly approved by a vote of 16 to 4. At a central London shareholder meeting, clubs were asked to approve minor amendments to the regulations governing transactions when they receive revenue from sources connected to their ownership.

A statement from the Premier League reads: “At a Premier League Shareholders’ meeting today, clubs approved changes to the League’s Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules. The Premier League has conducted a detailed consultation with clubs – informed by multiple opinions from expert, independent Leading Counsel – to draft rule changes that address amendments required to the system.

“This relates to integrating the assessment of Shareholder loans, the removal of some of the amendments made to APT rules earlier this year and changes to the process by which relevant information from the League’s ‘databank’ is shared with a club’s advisors.

“The purpose of the APT rules is to ensure clubs are not able to benefit from commercial deals or reductions in costs that are not at Fair Market Value (FMV) by virtue of relationships with Associated Parties. These rules were introduced to provide a robust mechanism to safeguard the financial stability, integrity and competitive balance of the League.”

City have claimed that the league’s entire APT apparatus has been weakened by the tribunal’s accusations. The league claims that the tribunal supported its more general regulations, which are still strong in light of the modifications.

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