Manchester City settles with Premier League over APT rules

Manchester City and the Premier League have agreed a settlement that ends a protracted legal battle over the competition's Associated Party Transaction rules, the club said on Monday, with Manchester City accepting that the current rules are valid and binding and both sides terminating arbitration proceedings. The settlement cancels a scheduled hearing next month and concludes a dispute that has shadowed relations between the club and the league for more than a year.

In a statement, Manchester City said, "The Premier League and Manchester City FC have reached a settlement in relation to the arbitration commenced by the club earlier this year concerning the Premier League's Associated Party Transaction APT Rules and as a result the parties have agreed to terminate the proceedings." The club added that the settlement brings an end to the dispute and that neither side would be making further comment.

The dispute began after the Premier League amended APT rules that are aimed at ensuring commercial deals with entities connected to club owners reflect fair market value and do not distort competition. City launched fresh legal proceedings in January challenging amendments to rules...