Man City 'backed by Aston Villa' in Premier League row as hostilities increase

Manchester City have reportedly received support from Aston Villa as their bitter battle with the Premier League intensifies. On Friday, all 20 Premier League clubs are set to vote on amended Associated Party Transaction (APT) regulations, following legal action taken by City in June.

The current champions argued that some of the current ATP rules in place were ‘unlawful’, and unfairly restricted clubs earning revenue.

Last month, an independent panel upheld some of their complaints, deeming that low-interest shareholder loans should not be excluded from the scope of the rules, and that changes made in February to tighten regulations breached competition law.

Last week, City representatives wrote to all 19 of their rivals asking for their support in voting against the proposed changes. In the letter, they accused authorities of "rushing through its consultation process", and argued the amendments were still distorted.

It followed the Premier League themselves writing to City and stating they "reject in the strongest possible terms the repeated and baseless assertions,” they had made throughout the legal process. They also accused the champions of "meritless" threats of further legal action.

But according to the Telegraph, Aston Villa are one club to align themselves with City. The Midlands club have now reportedly contacted fellow top-flight clubs “strongly recommending” that Friday’s vote is postponed.

Villa’s ownership has said to have been privately sympathetic with City’s cause. However, their reported show of of support will be seen as a significant development amid fears a civil war is brewing in English football.

Their letter is said to centre around three key arguments. They’ve argued that more time is needed to allow for fresh potential legal challenges, clarity around the tribunal’s findings, and further rule alterations tot he rulebook following the introduction of the independent regulator.

City’s case is not linked to the club being charged with 115 alleged breaches of Financial Fair Play regulations. A verdict on the that case is not expected until early 2025, and could potentially lead to huge ramifications if the club is found guilty.

The charges relate to a nine-year period between 2009 and 2018. During that time, City landed three Premier League titles, as well as two FA Cup and three League Cup wins.

Last month,  Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham all reportedly took the necessary legal steps to signal their intent to seek compensation if Pep Guardiola’s club are found guilty on a number of, if not all, the charges. City have strenuously denied any wrongdoing.