Aston Villa owner Nassef Sawiris reveals why they are backing Man City in the Premier League civil war

Aston Villa owner Nassef Sawiris has publicly backed Manchester City in the Premier League’s ongoing legal battle, warning that the conflict is damaging the league’s reputation and financial stability.

Sawiris urged the Premier League to postpone a crucial vote on proposed changes to associated-party-transaction (APT) rules until February. The Villa chief believes this delay would allow the league to present a united front and avoid further escalation of the dispute.

“In our view, a vote in 90 days on amended terms taking into consideration the tribunal’s findings will have a significantly greater chance of securing the unanimous support of all 20 Premier League clubs,” the 63-year-old said (via The Telegraph).

“Crucially, a unanimous vote will present a fresh start for an embattled Premier League that began with the failed attempt to launch a Super League in 2021.

“With the imminent arrival of the Government’s independent football regulator, it is more important than ever that the Premier League can present itself to the regulator with a united front. In our view, this will be far more easily achieved if the APT vote is held in February and supported unanimously by all clubs.”

The APT rules were introduced in 2021 and aim to prevent clubs from inflating sponsorship deals with companies linked to their owners, ensuring fair competition.

City claim the rules are unlawful and discriminatory. They argue that sponsors, like those with ties to their Abu Dhabi ownership, should have free rein to set sponsorship prices.

They believe the Premier League’s current system, which requires independent valuation for such deals, restricts their ability to raise revenue.

However, other clubs fear this move can destroy the league’s competitiveness. More than half of the clubs have sided with the Premier League.

They believe it would allow super-rich owners to spend unlimited amounts on players and infrastructure, bypassing Profit and Sustainability Rules.

Sawiris’ statement highlights the deep divisions within the Premier League, with clubs increasingly divided over how to handle the City situation. The ongoing legal battles have incurred significant costs for the league and its member clubs, causing Villa to side with the champions. 

“It is noteworthy that legal bills to date on this matter have already reached astronomical amounts; further challenges and escalation of these fees could be avoided through reaching consensus.

“Ultimately, a unanimous vote will showcase the emergence of a new era of clubs who can compete vigorously on the pitch but work together to strengthen the Premier League and its global appeal.”

The Premier League is facing a critical juncture as it seeks to balance its financial interests with the need to maintain a fair and competitive league.

The outcome of the upcoming vote will have far-reaching implications for the future of the Premier League and its relationship with its member clubs.