Liverpool tipped to go against Man City and push for a firm Premier League suspension

Financial expert Stefan Borson has claimed Liverpool will push for related-party deals to be “completely banned” amid Manchester City’s current legal battle.

The 2023-24 Premier League winners have taken legal action against the Premier League over the new rules, which were initially introduced in December 2021, which aim to limit related party transactions (ATP). The tribunal case will begin on June 10 and will aim to conclude before the start of the 2024/25 season.

According to The Times, City claimed that the current rules in place contravene competition law and are now seeking “monetary damages” on the basis that the club has been forced to comply with the rules for several years. City was originally taken over by Sheikh Mansour in 2008 and has regularly invested heavily over the past 16 years.

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If the case goes in City’s favour, the club could be free to receive large sums of money through sponsorship deals from Etihad Airways. However, Borson tipped Liverpool to be strong against City during the legal proceedings – and even claimed the Reds could push for an outright ban on ATPs.

“I think Liverpool will be part of a category of clubs that will be some of the most vocal about the rules on associated party transactions,” Borson told Football Insider. “They’re going to talk about tightening every rule around this.

“They will be a key instigator because they don’t have that as a source of income. They are not looking to bring in any of FSG’s partners as a sponsor, and therefore I suspect they would like to see related party transactions completely banned.

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“We always have to remember that everyone at the table, in those Premier League rules, has a right to look after themselves. There is nothing wrong with those clubs looking out for their own interests.”

All Premier League bids must have “fair market value” and this is where City defy the rules. Their owners argue that sponsors from companies such as Etihad Airways – which are linked to the owners – should be free to decide how much they are willing to spend on the club.

The report went on to say that City claim the current rules make running the club more expensive, which could lead to cuts in funding for women’s football, youth development and community projects.

Liverpool.com says: Given that City are a direct rival and Liverpool do not benefit from the ATP, the Reds will likely be one of the teams to apply the rules that are currently in place.