By Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw
The English Premier League is facing a possible legal challenge from an unnamed club concerning amended rules relating to associated party transactions (ATPs).
ATPs are commercial deals, especially sponsorships, between clubs and companies linked to their owners.
The reported challenge is based on a possible breach of Competition Rules in a commercial/financial sense.
It is alleged that ATPs can inflate revenue streams and facilitate more spending, thereby circumventing so-called ‘financial fair play’ rules.
In other words, preventing, restricting or distorting competition and thus leading to an unfair commercial/financial advantage.
A Statement from the League observed that:
“Following a full review of the existing associated party transaction rules and fair market value assessment protocols, clubs agreed to a series of amendments to further enhance the efficiency and accuracy of the system.”
Control of spending by English Premier League clubs continues to be a controversial issue!
Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw may be contacted by e-mail at ‘