West Ham United evidence emerges in seismic Manchester City legal ruling vs Premier League
Manchester City have secured a huge legal victory despite West Ham giving evidence in support of the Premier League, the Daily Mail reports.
Mike Keegan wrote for the paper’s website on 7 October that the Hammers were among a group of clubs, including Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool, as well as Brentford, Fulham, Wolves and Bournemouth to back the league’s case.
But in the dispute brought by the reigning champions challenging regulations on Associated Party Transactions [ATPs], City have secured a “seismic victory” after the panel decided the league’s rules breach the Competition Act.
Following the Etihad club’s triumph it’s said that the “significant, landmark verdict” will “send shockwaves through the top flight”.
West Ham joined by Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United
City didn’t win all of their arguments but did get seven through when they only need one, so it looks like there was a pretty good chance of a victory here no matter how many clubs gave evidence for the league.
Given West Ham got involved on the other side it is a pretty safe bet that David Sullivan, Karren Brady and company won’t be pleased with the panel’s decision.
It is the latest development to suggest league CEO Richard Masters and his team don’t have much of a hand on governance of the English top flight, after FFP rules were changed [Sky Sports, 12 March] following points deductions at Everton and Nottingham Forest last term and a scramble elsewhere during the transfer market.
And after the past four league titles went to the Etihad this won’t increase hope among rivals of wrestling it away from Pep Guardiola’s side moving forwards.
The Hammers had been looking to break into the battle at the top of the Premier League in recent seasons under David Moyes but are currently battling just to get the Julen Lopetegui era off the ground.
A 3-0 home defeat to Chelsea on 21 September brought the new manager’s job into the spotlight heavily, but an excellent attacking display in the much-needed 4-1 win over Ipswich on 5 October has eased the situation heading into the international break.
In other West Ham news, David Sullivan’s response to reported Tim Steidten anger has emerged via sources familiar with the situation.
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