Man City demand sensitive financial information from other clubs amid legal battle with Premier League | OneFootball

Manchester City are not backing down from their legal battle with the Premier League.

The Daily Mail reports that the 2023 treble winners are pushing for transparency on shareholder loans – a move that could bring other clubs into the spotlight.

Arsenal are among a number of clubs that could soon be forced to tender sensitive information about loans received from their owners.

City’s lawyers are claiming that the Premier League are not consistent in their application of the financial rules.

That includes shareholder loans and sponsorship deals that involve companies connected to club owners.

The spotlight is on City, but they believe it’s nothing short of a witch hunt.

Last month, they filed a new claim after the Premier League attempted to amend sponsorship rules that were declared null and void by an independent tribunal.

They argued that the likes of Arsenal, Everton, Brighton & Hove Albion, and relegated Leicester City have benefited from taking huge loans from their owners.

The Cityzens believe those clubs have gained an unfair advantage because the loans have not been treated the same as other Associated Party Transactions (APTs).

These aren’t just baseless accusations. City have evidence to back up their claim.

City presented detailed information that showed Arsenal received around £259 million in shareholder loans during the 2022/23 season.

That turned out to be the least amount in question, with Leicester pocketing £265m, Brighton accepting 406.5m, and Everton receiving £450m.

As far as City are concerned, these loans fall under APTs and should be treated with the same level of transparency and regulatory control.

Anything else points to the Premier League creating a loophole that favours one over the other.

City are also not convinced about the league’s recent changes to the APT rules. They were amended after the tribunal ruling but not to City’s liking.

They’ll prefer to use the pre-2021 rules, at least until a proper review is completed.

According to the Cityzens, the new framework still “discrimate” against them and others that follow a similar blueprint by treating shareholder loans differently.

To that effect, City’s lawyers have invoked rule B18, which effectively subpoenas clubs to provide sensitive financial information.