Manchester City insider reveals identity of Premier League club behind bombshell legal leak

The club which leaked confidential information relating to a legal case between Manchester City and the Premier League has reportedly been caught.

It was revealed on Tuesday that Manchester City were set for a new legal battle with the Premier League this month, with a two-week arbitration hearing starting on Monday over the Premier League’s latest related party transaction (APT) rules. .

The east Manchester club claim the rules, which were introduced in December 2021, are “illegal” and will therefore “seek compensation” from the Premier League, with the legal case sending shockwaves across the footballing landscape.

The APT rules were introduced by the Premier League in December 2021, following the Saudi-backed takeover of Newcastle United, with the aim of preventing clubs from signing commercial deals at inflated prices, which could allow teams to spend even higher sums on player transfers.

Suggestions that a Premier League club were planning legal action against the rule first emerged in February 2024, with Matt Lawton reporting that Manchester City are now suing the Premier League for damages, alongside attempts to end the rules.

Manchester City argue that sponsors linked to club owners should be allowed to set how much they want to pay, with a 165-page legal document being drawn up ahead of future proceedings.

The “unprecedented” case has caused a split within the top flight, with claims that three Premier League clubs are planning to join Manchester City.

Manchester City beat the Gunners to the Premier League title last month and Pep Guardiola clinched a record fourth straight title ahead of Arsenal after a win over West Ham at the Etihad Stadium on the final day of the campaign.

Manchester City are also set to do battle with the Premier League in November, with an independent commission expected to hear the Blues’ case over the 115 allegations this autumn.