Six clubs 'giving evidence against Man City' in legal row with Premier League named including two huge rivals

Six of the clubs that will support the Premier League in its latest legal row with Manchester City have been named.

For over a year now Man City have had the 115 charges of alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules - which the club strenuously denies - hanging over them.

Now, less than three weeks after winning a fourth successive league title, City have opened a new front in their legal battle with English football's top division.

City have brought a separate legal case against the Premier League’s associated party transaction (APT) rules, which will begin on June 10.

APT rules are designed to prevent clubs from signing inflated sponsorship deals with companies with which they share owners or have close ties.

The rules means such sponsors - such as Etihad Airways and Newcastle United's shirt sponsor SELA - have to pass fair market value tests.

A majority of Premier League clubs voted to introduce the rules in 2021 following the takeover of Newcastle by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, as they were concerned that the PIF would use its companies to strike a multitude of inflated sponsorship deals.

City are challenging the rules as they believe they breach UK competition law. The club is also suing the Premier League for revenue they claim they lost because of APT rules.

According to the Daily Mail, between 10 and 12 clubs have provided information in support of the Premier League and APT rules.

According to the report, that group includes Manchester United, Arsenal, Fulham, Wolves, Brighton and Tottenham.

Some of the clubs have provided witness statements while others have provided letters.

The Mail claims that Newcastle, Chelsea and Aston Villa will support City's case as they all have their own grievances with the restrictions on sponsorship and investment.

City say the rules - which required approval of at least 14 out of 20 Premier League clubs - were brought in by a 'tyranny of the majority' and claim it is based on 'discrimination' against clubs with owners from the Middle East.

Manchester City and the Premier League have been contacted for comment.