Man City’s Legal Battle: A Predicted Loss in Premier League Dispute
Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness has expressed scepticism over Manchester City’s chances of succeeding in their legal challenge against the Premier League. In a recent episode of the Inside Track podcast, Wyness dissected the potential outcomes of City’s bold move to contest the Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules.
Legal Challenge and Historical Context
Manchester City has initiated unprecedented legal action aiming to dismantle the Premier League’s APT rules, which they claim are unlawful. This legal battle comes when the club grapples with 115 financial breaches, adding another layer of complexity to their dispute with the league. “It’s a very dangerous road they’re going down,” Wyness remarked, pointing to the potential ramifications for the entire structure of the Premier League.
The Tyranny of the Majority?
At the heart of City’s argument is what they refer to as the “tyranny of the majority,” a term used to highlight their belief that the APT rules unfairly target the minority, mainly state-owned clubs like themselves. City’s stance is that the rules, requiring a two-thirds majority vote among clubs to pass significant decisions, represent an unfair system of governance. However, Wyness counters this argument by championing the democratic nature of the existing system, which he believes has helped make the Premier League the best in the world. “I just don’t get that. It sounds like democracy, a very fair way to do it,” he stated.
The Challenge of Overturning Established Rules
Wyness also cast doubt on the likelihood of the legal challenge succeeding, given the longevity and entrenched nature of the rules. “It’s based around competition law, and it’ll be tough for the arbitrator to come out and say that the rules which have been in place since 1992 are anti-competitive,” he explained. This perspective underscores City’s uphill battle to persuade an arbitrator to overturn regulations that have been foundational to the league’s operation for decades.
Distraction from Financial Scrutiny?
Another layer to this complex issue is Wyness’s suggestion that Manchester City’s legal action may be a strategic diversion from their financial troubles. “My cynical view is that it’s a distraction from those charges,” he noted, implying that the club might be using the legal dispute to shift focus away from the significant number of financial breaches they are accused of. According to Wyness, this move consumes vast resources and time, potentially detracting from the club’s ability to address the underlying issues directly.
In summary, Manchester City’s legal battle against the Premier League is framed as a challenge to specific regulatory frameworks and a reflection of broader tensions within the world’s most watched football league. As the two-week hearing approaches, all eyes will be on the outcomes and implications of this high-stakes confrontation.
