Manchester City have launched a new legal case against the Premier League regarding sponsorship deals, much to the delight of Newcastle United.
The defending champions have been embroiled in several legal disputes with Richard Masters and the Premier League in the last 12 months, most recently the Associated Party Transaction (APT) case, which was ruled in favour of the Cityzens.
The APT rules were brought in following Newcastle United’s takeover in 2021, limiting how much clubs were able to bring in from sponsors. The move was one that angered staff inside the club, including former Newcastle co-owner Amanda Staveley.
Reports at the time suggested that Staveley was livid with Premier League clubs for voting in favour of the APT rules, claiming they feared there would be an “unfair advantage” if they were not in place.
The ruling has proven to be problematic for the Magpies, who are only now beginning to see the true benefits of the takeover. PSR hindered Newcastle’s progress on the pitch as they were forced to sell players who were part of Eddie Howe’s future plans.
Man City’s latest case against the Premier League is regarding the amended APT rules, which they deem ‘do not eliminate but on the contrary perpetuate the discriminatory and distortive treatment previously found by the tribunal’ (Daily Mail).
With the news that the APT rules could be changed once again, Newcastle fans have reacted on social media.
Newcastle fans react to Manchester City’s latest Premier League case
Newcastle fans called for Masters to resign after the first APT ruling, claiming that the Premier League CEO’s job is ‘untenable’.
The Magpies could soon see much more lucrative sponsorships coming their way if new rules are passed, ones which could make them a powerhouse on the pitch as well as commercially.
The news of Man City’s latest legal case against the Premier League was shared with Newcastle supporters on the social media platform X on Friday – they were quick to give their opinion on the matter.
“Man City doing the lords work! Masters is nothing more than a Levy and Kroenke puppet!” said one Newcastle supporter, while another added: “If this was poker, feels like they played a Full House.”
This Newcastle supporter referred to call for Masters to step down, saying: “We all know it’s coming, grateful to City for calling this shambles of EPL out for tick tock Richard masters.”
“Bring it on.” said one excited Newcastle fan.
Another fan added: “Masters needs to go he’s just burying his head in the sand!”
Finally, this Newastle fan said: “Someone will pay the price for this. Hopefully it’s Masters. It should be him too.”
Newcastle supporters must be patient amid Premier League APT case
While news of the fresh case is music to Newcastle fans’ ears, they must also understand there is still a long way to go before there is a resolution to the battle between Man City and the Premier League.
Newcastle are expected to welcome bigger sponsorships in the future, but that is more of a long-term ambition, rather than something that will be happening any time soon.
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The news of the first APT ruling came through while club officials were on a routine catch-up call. Newcastle bosses knew the APT ruling was a long-term ordeal, so they did not get too excited about the outcome.
Newcastle are yet to confirm plans for the stadium or naming rights. They could be waiting to learn the outcome of the latest case before making any announcements.
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