In a significant development, Premier League clubs have voted to approve changes to the rules governing commercial deals.
The decision was made at a meeting in London on Friday, with 16 clubs voting in favor of the changes and four against.
Manchester City, Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest, and Aston Villa were the four clubs that opposed the changes.
Notably, Manchester City and Aston Villa had reached out to other clubs before the meeting to garner support for their position.
The changes to the Associated Party Transaction regulations (APTs) aim to prevent clubs from profiting from commercial or sponsorship deals with companies linked to their owners that exceed “fair market value.” The updated rules will integrate the assessment of shareholder loans and remove some amendments made to APT rules earlier this year.
The vote follows an independent panel’s finding that aspects of the Premier League’s rules were unlawful. This ruling came after Manchester City initiated a lawsuit earlier this year.
The approval of the changes required a minimum of 14 clubs to vote in favor. With 16 clubs supporting the updates, the Premier League can now move forward with implementing the revised rules.
