League sponsorship rules found ‘illegal’ | Relief

He Manchester City achieved an important victory in the legal war with the Premier League after the introduction of new rules sponsorship agreements were classified as “illegal”.As reported by The Times. The League, according to the verdict, blocked two trade agreements citizens.

With this first victory in question – in a case separate from the long-term legal battle that will take place between the Nationals and the Premier League – which accused the Manchester club of violating 115 economic rules It was decided that Provisions designed to prevent clubs from inflating agreements with companies linked to their owners breach the Competition Act.and that the top flight was wrong to cancel two recent deals with Manchester City.

The commission ruled that the league was wrong to reject the proposal Manchester City’s new wide-ranging sponsorship deal with Etihad at the end of last year. City’s previous ten-year agreement with the Abu Dhabi-based airline figures prominently in a separate 115-count case that will influence the trial that will take place in the case.

The Etihad verdict was “procedurally unfair” and “should be overturned” because City were not given the opportunity to respond to the Premier League’s analysis before it made its decision. Among their arguments, City said the changes were driven by “instilling fear” following the Saudi takeover of Newcastle.. They also argued that the rules were specifically aimed at clubs owned by Gulf countries. Club citizen sued the league in early 2024 after The rules were introduced following the acquisition of Newcastle by Saudi Arabia.claiming that they were unfair.

In a statement, Manchester City thanked the Arbitral Tribunal “for its work and considerations and we welcome its findings” because, among other things, it “The Premier League was caught abusing its dominant position“