Aston Villa’s owner, Nassef Sawiris, has shared his thoughts on the club’s support for Manchester City in their ongoing dispute with the Premier League.
The two clubs are at the forefront of challenging the Premier League’s sponsorship rules, particularly in relation to associated party transactions (APT).
As the league prepares for a crucial vote this Friday, the situation is growing more contentious.
Villa’s Call for a Delay
In a move that caught the attention of many, Aston Villa reached out to all Premier League clubs with a strong recommendation to postpone the vote on APT rule changes.
This request came just days after Manchester City made a similar appeal for a delay.
The Premier League has been dealing with City’s legal challenge over these sponsorship rules, and Villa’s intervention added fuel to the fire.
Sawiris Explains Villa’s Position
Sawiris explained that delaying the vote would allow for a more thoughtful decision-making process, especially with the incoming Government’s Independent Football Regulator.
He believes waiting until after the regulator’s arrival will lead to a better outcome for all involved parties.
Sawiris stated that a vote on revised terms in 90 days, incorporating the findings of the tribunal, would have a much higher chance of securing unanimous support from all Premier League clubs.
The Importance of Unity
For Villa, the key factor is unity within the Premier League.
Sawiris highlighted that a unanimous decision would help the league present a united front to the new regulator, which is expected to play a significant role in football governance.
He believes that a vote in February, supported by all clubs, would create the fresh start the Premier League needs, especially following the turmoil surrounding the failed European Super League in 2021.
Manchester City’s Legal Concerns
Manchester City, which had already raised concerns about the legality of the proposed changes to the APT rules, also wrote to fellow Premier League clubs urging the delay.
The club pointed out that the new regulations were “unlawful” and suggested that further legal action could follow.
City had previously taken the Premier League to a tribunal earlier this year over the APT rules, specifically questioning the exclusion of shareholder loans from the league’s fair market value test.
The League’s Position
Despite these challenges and calls for a delay, the Premier League appears determined to move forward with the vote.
The league had initially assured clubs that the proposed changes could be adjusted swiftly after a tribunal ruled certain sections of the APT regulations unlawful.
However, City’s legal team accused the Premier League of attempting to mislead clubs with statements made by CEO Richard Masters.
With the vote scheduled for Friday, it remains to be seen whether Villa’s and City’s protests will delay the process.
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