The latest Manchester City news about their Premier League charges case as the wait goes on for an initial outcome from last year's three-month-long hearing into them
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Sport
Updated 17:59, 08 May 2025
General view outside the stadium as the Manchester City team coach arrives
Manchester City continue to challenge the Premier League
(Image: Getty Images)
Football finance expert Kieran Maguire has acknowledged that historical evidence points to Manchester City having the upper hand over the Premier League as their charges case continues.
After challenging their Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules, the club has already claimed victory over the league. An arbitration tribunal ruling found three aspects of the regulations as unlawful last year, with these rules now void.
City are now challenging the rewritten rules, particular how shareholder loans count towards profitability and sustainability rules. Maguire believes their growing rivalry with Arsenal also factors into their assault on the rulebook over recent months and years.
"The Kroenke loans aren't that critical in the overall picture, so I don't see this as being an issue," the University of Liverpool football finance lecturer told TBR Football. "There is a broader issue in the sense that City and Arsenal are the best of enemies.
"It's very, very personal between the two clubs. This is an opportunity to score points against Arsenal and protect their own interests as far as City are concerned.
"I think we will see some sort of transitional rule with the APTs. We have already seen Brighton's loans from Tony Bloom have been converted into something that is between shares and debt.
"There will be discussions taking place between clubs, lawyers and accountants as to how existing loans can be reclassified as equity; therefore, that will assist things going forward.
"I think, based on historical evidence, that City have got the upper hand over the Premier League." Maguire also highlighted the belief of one leading sports lawyer about the charges that City face.
"Nick DeMarco thinks it will be a score draw where the Premier League will win some of the 115 charges," Maguire relayed, "but City will have a far stronger case in others." The latest reports suggest that their wait for a final verdict could continue into next season.
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